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Bone Densitometry
Bone Densitometry
Are you at risk for osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak to the point of breaking, can result in a crippling and painful fracture, occurring most often in the hip, back or wrist.
St. Rose’s bone densitometry test helps doctors diagnose osteoporosis. The test provides information about your own risk of bone fracture, in the same way that a cholesterol test indicates risk of heart attack. The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-ray (less than an average chest x-ray) to measure bone mineral density; it produces images of the spine, hip or even the whole body.
A bone densitometry test is easy to take. You simply lie on a large padded and comfortable exam table, remaining in your normal clothing in most cases. It’s completely painless and takes only about 20 minutes.
For more information about a bone densitometry test at St. Rose, please call the Radiology Department at (510) 264-4055.