Bone Density Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure | Book Online

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Introduction to the Bone Density Test:

According to a study conducted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in every 5 men and 1 in 3 women are bound to experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime. Osteoporosis, also known as the silent disease, is a bone disease caused when bone density decreases. It occurs when the bones begin to lose their strength and weaken, thus increasing the chances of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis is also known as the silent disease because it has no specific symptoms and is usually not diagnosed until a bone fracture occurs. This condition is mostly seen in people around the age of 50. Doctors recommend getting a bone density test done regularly after a certain age so that if conditions show bone deterioration, it can be taken care of early on.

It is always said that precaution is better than cure, so early diagnosis would help anyone take preventive measures that may stop the worsening of the condition. So, if you are in and around your 50s, you must get your bone density test done regularly. You can book your test from the NABL-accredited Redcliffe Labs, opt for their home sample collection service, and get tested from the comfort of your home.

 Test Details:

Symptoms that may prompt the bone density test:

The bone mineral density test, also known as the Dexa Scan, is most commonly recommended for people over the age of 50, and this is because the osteoporosis condition is usually seen in people around this age group.

However, there may not be many symptoms that may prompt one to get the DEXA scan done. Some symptoms that you may look out for are:

• Suffered from more than one fracture after 50.
• Have a family history of osteoporosis.
• Noticed a reduction in height over the year.
• I have been a regular smoker for at least some time.
• If you have gone through early menopause,
• Have taken medications or steroids for a long duration.

If you or someone near and dear to you lies under these conditions, it is important to get the bone density test done. The test helps rule out or diagnose osteoporosis, and it is helpful for health providers in their treatments.

How do I diagnose osteoporosis?

If you are suspicious that you may be suffering from osteoporosis, get a bone density test done and then consult with your doctor. The test results will help determine whether you are suffering from the condition or not.

What is the purpose of the Dexa scan?

A DEXA scan, or bone density test, is done for several different reasons, like:

• Early Diagnosis: Getting the bone density test, if taken regularly, helps with the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. This makes it easier for the health provider to choose the treatment according to your condition. The test allows the doctors to confirm or rule out the chances of you having osteoporosis.
• Medical Support: The test helps the doctors plan the treatment they want you to follow based on your medical history. The Dexa Scan is a blessing for doctors, making it easier for them to provide medication and treatment accurately based on the condition.
• Monitor Treatment: Even after diagnosing the condition, your doctors may ask you to keep getting the bone density test regularly because the test will help monitor the treatment results, and they can change their treatment method if required.

These are the most important reasons why it is essential to get the test done if the doctor has recommended it.

Preparations required before taking the bone density test:

Before undergoing a bone density test, several preparations may be necessary to ensure accurate results. Here are some common steps typically advised:

1. Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or accessories in the scanned area. Metal can interfere with the X-ray imaging.
2. Avoid calcium supplements: If your doctor has prescribed calcium supplements, avoid taking them for at least 24 hours before the test. Excess calcium in the bloodstream can affect bone density measurements.
3. No Barium: If you've had a barium contrast x-ray or a nuclear medicine test, wait at least ten days before having a bone density test. Barium residues can interfere with the DEXA scan results.
4. Inform About Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, especially if they contain calcium or affect bone density. They may advise adjustments or temporary cessation before the test.
5. Avoid metal: Remove all metal objects from your body, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, and accessories, as they can interfere with the imaging process.
6. Medical History: Provide a comprehensive medical history to your healthcare provider, including any previous fractures, surgeries, or conditions that may affect bone health.
7. Time and Appointment: Arrive on time for your appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and ensure a smooth process. Depending on the scanned areas, the scan usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.
8. Comfortable Positioning: You will be asked to lie on a padded table during the scan. Remaining still helps to obtain clear images.

By following these preparation guidelines, you can help ensure that your bone density test provides accurate and valuable information about your bone health.

The procedure for the bone density test is:

The bone density test is similar to any other X-ray diagnosis, and the steps to be followed during that are the same:

• You must lie on the open X-ray table when you are out there for a Dexa scan.
• You need to keep still, or else the video will get blurry.
• The scanning arm is then passed over your body, specifically over the skeleton.
• The scan takes 20 minutes, and some body parts need to be scanned separately.

 After the scan is completed, you can go home and wait for the reports to come so that you can find out if there is anything wrong with your bones.

In the bone density test, a few blood tests are included to find the deficiencies that may be causing the disease. These blood tests are also like any other blood test, and its steps include the following:

• The phlebotomist, on arrival, ties a band around your arm.
• They tell you to make a fist so the veins are properly visible.
• They disinfect the area from which the blood is to be drawn.
• Then, a thin, sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood, and after the needle is removed, a bandage is put on the punctured area.
• After drawing the blood, they put it in a vial, seal it, and label it.
• This vial is then taken to the laboratory to get tested.

Remember that the punctured area can have a stinging sensation for around two days. If the sensation lasts over two days or the pain is significantly severe, you must take it seriously and consult a doctor. 

Tips to prevent osteoporosis:

If you don’t want to suffer from osteoporosis in your old age, it is necessary to take preventive measures from an early age. Some of the things you could do to avoid osteoporosis are:

• You can include calcium-rich foods in your diet. Start eating vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, as they contain high quantities of calcium.
• Regular exercise is important as it builds your body’s strength.
• Avoid smoking and minimize your alcohol consumption.
• Try staying in the sun for some time regularly.
• Limit the use of caffeinated drinks.

These tips are helpful if you want to keep yourself healthy; however, if followed religiously, they can minimize your chances of getting osteoporosis.

Bone Density Test Price at Redcliffe Labs:

The cost of the bone mineral density test at Redcliffe Labs is INR 799. This price varies from lab to lab, but we at Redcliffe Labs try to keep the prices as reasonable as possible. You can get your test done in the comfort of your home from the ISO-certified and NABL-accredited Diagnostic Lab, trusted and recommended by many health providers.

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