Bone mineral density test A bone mineral density (BMD) test
measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an
area of your bone. This test helps your health care provider
detect osteoporosis and predict your risk of bone fractures. BMD
test; Bone density test; Bone densitometry; DEXA scan; DXA;
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; p-DEXA How the Test is
Performed Bone density testing can be done several different
ways. The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. It uses low-dose x-rays. (You
receive more radiation with a chest x-ray.) There are two
different types of DEXA scans: - Central DEXA. You lay on a soft
table, and the scanner passes over your lower spine and hip.
Usually, you do not need to undress. This scan is the best test
to predict your risk of fractures. - Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA).
These smaller machines measure the bone density in your wrist,
fingers, leg, or heel. These machines arein doctor's offices,
pharmacies, shopping centers, and at h