The DEXA Test
 The only way to determine if you have Osteoporosis before you fracture is to measure your bone density directly. The gold standard of testing is the DEXA Test, Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.

- Measures the key areas of the Spine and Hip
- Can also do total body
- Takes 10 - 20 minutes
- Less radiation than a chest x-ray
- 1% margin of error
- Cost: $150- $300
- Covered under Medicare


The DEXA test will tell you:

- Your bone mass compared with a healthy 30-year-old
- Your bone mass compared to your age and gender group
- Your risk of fracture
- The seriousness of your bone loss; an indication of treatment options

Peripheral Bone Density Tests are also used to test bone mass at smaller sites of the wrist, forearm, and hand. Ultrasound testing estimates bone strength using sound waves transmitted through the heel. While these tests can give an indication of fracture risk, if there is any indication of low bone mass you are advised to get a DEXA test for a comprehensive examination.

Only the DEXA test can be used as a diagnostic tool for your treatment options, and the same - or similar - DEXA machine that is used for your exam will likely be used two years later to check your progress.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing for:

  • all women over age 65
  • postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors
  • postmenopausal women who have had fractures
  • women who are considering therapy for osteoporosis
  • women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for prolonged periods

    Medicare covers all FDA-approved bone density tests for the following:

  • Estrogen-deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis
  • People with vertebral abnormalities
  • People receiving long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy
  • People with primary hyperparathyroidism
  • People being monitored on an approved osteoporosis drug therapy

    The frequency of testing is once every two years


    Click here to take the 'Osteoporosis risk-factor' test

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