Bone density testing is a quick, painless way to measure the strength of your bones and check for osteoporosis or osteopenia before a fracture happens. At the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center of Northern Virginia, bone density testing is offered in our Manassas, VA office, so you can complete your scan and review your results with the same care team.
What Is a Bone Density Test?
A bone density test measures the amount of mineral in your bones, usually at the hip and lower spine. The most common method is a DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, which uses a very low dose of X-ray. The results help your provider estimate your risk of fracture and decide whether treatment could help.
Who Should Consider a Bone Density Test?
Your provider may recommend testing if you:
- Are a woman age 65 or older, or a man age 70 or older
- Are a postmenopausal woman with risk factors for bone loss
- Have broken a bone from a minor fall or bump
- Take long-term steroid medication or other medicines that affect bone
- Have a condition linked to bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Have lost noticeable height or have a family history of osteoporosis
How to Prepare for Your Scan
- Ask whether you should stop calcium supplements 24 hours before your test.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or buckles.
- Let the team know if you recently had a barium study or contrast scan, or if you might be pregnant.
- Bring your insurance card and a list of your current medications.
What Happens During the Test
You lie on a padded table while a scanner arm passes over your body. You stay still for a few minutes, and there are no needles or injections. Most people return to normal activities right away.
Understanding Your Results
Results are usually reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult:
- -1.0 or higher: normal bone density
- Between -1.0 and -2.5: low bone mass (osteopenia)
- -2.5 or lower: osteoporosis
Your provider will look at your T-score together with your age, health history, and other risk factors. If your results show bone loss, you can learn more about osteoporosis and osteopenia care at our practice, including medication options and, when appropriate, infusion treatments given in our office.
Schedule Bone Density Testing in Manassas
Our office is at 8100 Ashton Avenue, Suite 215, Manassas, VA 20109, and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Request a bone density appointment online or call (703) 361-3255. New patients can find forms on our new patient paperwork page.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.