Question 1

How do I prepare for a Bone densitometry?

Accepted Answer

Quick test that uses a very low dose of X-rays to measure the strength and density of bones.

Question 2

What do I need to know before a Bone densitometry?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** No fasting is required. You can eat your usual food and drink water completely normally before the study.
• **Medication:** Continue your usual medication. However, it is strictly necessary to stop taking any calcium supplements at least 24 hours before the test; remember that any change to your treatment must be discussed with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to remove. There is a strict restriction on metal objects in the area being examined (usually the hip and lower spine), so you should remove jewellery, piercings, watches or belts, and avoid garments with zips, underwiring or metal buttons. You may be given a gown at the centre.
• **Specific Requirements:** The most important requirement is to inform the staff if you are pregnant or if there is any possibility that you might be. Also, if in the last 10 to 14 days you have had a test with barium contrast, contrast injected for a CT scan, or a nuclear medicine test (scintigraphy or PET), you must say so, as these substances interfere with the X-rays and the densitometry would have to be postponed.
• **Discomfort or pain after the test:** The procedure is completely painless and non-invasive. The only discomfort you may experience is having to lie completely still on a firm couch (which may feel a little hard or cold) for about 10 to 30 minutes while the scanner arm passes over you.

Question 3

What do I have to do before a Bone densitometry?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** No fasting is required. You can eat your usual food and drink water completely normally before the study.
• **Medication:** Continue your usual medication. However, it is strictly necessary to stop taking any calcium supplements at least 24 hours before the test; remember that any change to your treatment must be discussed with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to remove. There is a strict restriction on metal objects in the area being examined (usually the hip and lower spine), so you should remove jewellery, piercings, watches or belts, and avoid garments with zips, underwiring or metal buttons. You may be given a gown at the centre.
• **Specific Requirements:** The most important requirement is to inform the staff if you are pregnant or if there is any possibility that you might be. Also, if in the last 10 to 14 days you have had a test with barium contrast, contrast injected for a CT scan, or a nuclear medicine test (scintigraphy or PET), you must say so, as these substances interfere with the X-rays and the densitometry would have to be postponed.
• **Discomfort or pain after the test:** The procedure is completely painless and non-invasive. The only discomfort you may experience is having to lie completely still on a firm couch (which may feel a little hard or cold) for about 10 to 30 minutes while the scanner arm passes over you.

General instructions for Bone densitometry

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