• Bone density testing takes about 20 minutes.
• During the procedure, you will be positioned on a table so that we can get bone density measurements of your spine, hip and perhaps your wrist. 
• Bone density scans use a technique known as Dual Energy X-ray Photometry (DXA).  The amount of radiation exposure about 5% of a chest x-ray.  The small amount of radiation used means that our technicians and the room are not required to have x-ray shielding. 

Special instructions: 

• We will not do a bone-density scan if you may be pregnant!  Please let us know if there is a chance of pregnancy.
• Do not take your calcium pills on the morning of your exam.
• If you have had a nuclear scan or contrast radiology study, we will wait 72 hours before we do a bone density scan.

Please wear loose comfortable clothing without metal closures or buckles. 

If you do, it will be unnecessary for you to change into a gown.  Otherwise, we provide a changing room and cloth gown.