BMD Test: What is a bone mineral density test all about?

Introduction

BMD or bone mineral density test is a diagnostic modality to evaluate the amount of calcium and other types of minerals people have in an area of their bone. This test also helps in figuring out if a person has osteoporosis as well as predicting his or her risk for bone fractures. Experts suggest that every woman over the age of 65 should get the BMD test done at regular intervals.

Wear and tear of bones continues throughout life for people, with the formation and destruction of bones. As people age, the rate of bone destruction goes up and it is higher than the rate of formation. As a result, it depreciates the bone density, making the bones porous and weak. This can lead to a condition we call osteoporosis. As a result of weaker bones, the chances of bone fractures also grow manifold. Even a minor fall can lead to a fracture in elderly people. So, this BMD test gives us a measure of our bone’s strength.

The most basic method for conducting BMD tests is X-ray, which is commonly known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) tests. DEXA scans, with the help of low levels of radiation study the condition of one’s bones safely. Apart from the DEXA test, an individual might also undergo a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) for the doctor to check if there is any fracture in the spine.

The need for a BMD test

A bone density is ordered when the physician wants to check:

An individual’s risk of fracturing a bone
Whether a person has osteoporosis
The extent the osteoporosis treatment is working on a patient

Who qualifies for a bone mineral density test?

Usually, BMD becomes a necessity when people begin to age. Doctors would recommend a BMD test under the following conditions:

For women who are over the age of 65
For men who’ve attained the age of 70 or above
For individuals who may be under the age of 65, but have a high propensity to bone fractures

Experts may also order a BMD test when there are factors that may up people’s risk of bone fractures. These include:

Eating disorders, as it may trigger low body weight
Premature and early menopause
Kidney illnesses
Sedentary lifestyle
Rheumatoid arthritis
Smoking, etc.

Even if an individual doesn’t fulfill any of the above criteria like age, gender, or fracture risk, a doctor may still advise a bone mineral density test if a person:

Experiences a major drop in hormone levels
Previously fractured a bone
Loses up to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in height or more than that
Taken certain medicines like steroids for longer period

A bone mineral density test is usually conducted by a healthcare provider, mostly a radiologist, who has special qualifications in clicking and interpreting medical images.

One density test, low doses of radiation are sent to the bones of the patient. These radiation doses then begin to calculate the amount of calcium and other minerals that an individual may have in each segment of bone. The calculation done is the bone density of that person.

How should one get ready for a BMD test?

One doesn’t need to fret before undergoing a bone mineral density test, because the consulting doctor will provide all the specific and necessary instructions on how to prepare for it.

As a thumb rule, patients are advised not to take any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the BMD test. The patient is supposed to wear loose and comfortable clothes. They should not wear items that have metal zippers, buttons, or belts. All jewelry, eyeglasses, removable dental work, or other objects that contain metal are compulsorily removed before the test.

One should surely inform the technician or doctor about any joint or dental implant to ensure safety. But someone with a permanent implant can still have a BMD test.

What to expect during a BMD test?

After a BMD test, people can go home and carry on with their routine work because it is essentially an outpatient test. During the test:

The individual has to lie on a padded examination table while the attending technician positions an X-ray machine underneath and then a detector above the person.

Then the technician leaves and goes into an adjacent room to start the X-ray machine. After that, the detector slowly moves over the spine and hips while capturing images of the body.

The patient may have to move the legs or feet into different positions so that images of different areas can be clicked. At times, the patient may have to hold their breath for a few seconds to prevent any movement so that the images do not become blurry.

The whole BMD test gets over in around 10 to 30 minutes. It is only if a patient has a VFA along with a DEXA, the test may stretch a little longer.

As for the BMD test cost, you must talk to the facility or the doctor beforehand to get the exact quote. Remember, the BMD test cost could vary depending on a host of factors. So, it is better to talk to the facility if someone finds the BMD test cost a constraint.

Conclusion

So, now we know how crucial a BMD test is, especially for people who are over the age of 65. It should be done by elderly people at regular intervals or as per the direction of the doctor to maintain bone health.

FAQs

What is a normal BMD score?

Normal bone density: Those who have normal bone density possess a T-score between +1 and -1. People with this score range are considered bone healthy and do not usually require any intervention. However, they should proactively take steps to prevent bone loss. They should consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D and should be doing weight-bearing exercises.

How long does it take to get the BMD test results?

Usually, the turnaround time to get the results of a BMD test is one to two weeks.

Once the test is over, a radiologist interprets the imaging scans and sends the readings or findings to the consulting doctor of the patient or referring provider. Then the consulting physician discusses the results with the patient.

How is a BMD test done?

During the BMD scan, a large scanning arm is passed over the body of the patient to get a measure of the bone density in the center of the skeleton. After that, the scanning arm slowly traverses over the person’s body, and there is passing of a narrow beam of X-rays through the part of the body being examined.

What is a BMD test used to diagnose?

A BMD or bone mineral density test is conducted to evaluate the bone health of an individual. This test measures the amount of calcium and other minerals present in the bones. Doctors use the findings of this test to ascertain one’s risk of fracturing a bone. This test also helps to diagnose if a person has osteoporosis.

How can I improve my BMD score?

You can improve your BMD score with the help of weight-bearing exercises, including walking, running, dancing, and resistance exercise, such as lifting weights, etc.

What happens if BMD is low?

When BMD is low, it is a serious medical concern, which may result in fractures of the bones. The most problematic outcome is osteoporosis, where, due to low bone density it causes holes inside the bone to widen. At the same time, the outer walls of the bone (the cortex) begin to thin. Hence, the bones become more fragile.

What happens when BMD is high?

When the bone mineral content is high, it means the bones are denser. And when the bones of a person are denser, they are considered stronger and are less likely to break their bones.

What are good bone density scores?

In the BMD test, a T-score that is equal to or above -1.0 is regarded as normal bone density, whereas a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 is treated as low bone density, which is referred to as Osteopenia at times. So, a BMD T-score of -2.5 or below is regarded as osteoporosis.

What is a good BMD T-score?

For normal bone density, one must have a T-score of -1.0 or above. Examples are 0.9, 0, and -0.9. If one has a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 it means he or she has low bone mass or osteopenia.