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

• **Definition:** A quick test that uses a very low dose of X-rays to measure bone strength and density.
• **Fasting:** No fasting required. You can eat your usual food and drink plain water normally before the study.
• **Medication:** You should maintain your usual medication. However, it is strictly necessary to stop taking any calcium supplements at least 24 hours before the test, remembering that any adjustment in your treatment must be consulted with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose, and easy-to-remove clothing. There is a strict restriction of metal objects in the area to be evaluated (usually the hip and lumbar spine), so you must remove jewelry, piercings, watches, or belts, and avoid garments with zippers, wires, or metal buttons. At the center, they might provide you with a clinical gown.
• **Specific Requirements:** The most important requirement is to inform if you are pregnant or if there is any possibility of being so. Likewise, if in the last 10 to 14 days you have undergone an examination with barium contrast or have been injected with contrast for a tomography (CT) or MRI, you must notify it, as these materials interfere with the X-rays and the bone density test would have to be postponed.
• **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** It is a totally painless and non-invasive procedure. The only discomfort you might experience is the need to remain lying down and completely still on a firm table (which can feel a bit 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

• **Definition:** A quick test that uses a very low dose of X-rays to measure bone strength and density.
• **Fasting:** No fasting required. You can eat your usual food and drink plain water normally before the study.
• **Medication:** You should maintain your usual medication. However, it is strictly necessary to stop taking any calcium supplements at least 24 hours before the test, remembering that any adjustment in your treatment must be consulted with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose, and easy-to-remove clothing. There is a strict restriction of metal objects in the area to be evaluated (usually the hip and lumbar spine), so you must remove jewelry, piercings, watches, or belts, and avoid garments with zippers, wires, or metal buttons. At the center, they might provide you with a clinical gown.
• **Specific Requirements:** The most important requirement is to inform if you are pregnant or if there is any possibility of being so. Likewise, if in the last 10 to 14 days you have undergone an examination with barium contrast or have been injected with contrast for a tomography (CT) or MRI, you must notify it, as these materials interfere with the X-rays and the bone density test would have to be postponed.
• **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** It is a totally painless and non-invasive procedure. The only discomfort you might experience is the need to remain lying down and completely still on a firm table (which can feel a bit 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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