Bone Density (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital, Queensway Health Centre)
Description of Service
Bone mineral densitometry is the non-invasive diagnostic procedure that involves very low dose of radiation to measure bone mineral to determine how dense your bones are and if you are at risk of bone fractures.
A bone density exam involves lying on a table for several minutes while a small x-ray detector scans your spine, and hips. The test is safe, painless, involves a very small amount of radiation and does not require any injections.
The information from a bone density exam helps your health care provider determine if you need any medication, and recommend a fracture prevention program for you.
Follow-up bone density scans are useful to see changes in your bone density, and to see how well the medication is working. It is important to have your bone density exam done at the same health institution each time if possible.
Osteoporosis, which means "porous bones," is a bone-thinning disease that can lead to serious fractures, typically in the spine, hip and wrists. Although the condition is often considered a "women's disease," men also are affected.
Many people don't know they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture. Knowing if you are at risk of osteoporosis means you can be receive treatment which will aid in the prevention of fractures. Bone mineral density tests can also help determine your rate of bone loss and monitor the effects of treatment.
Preparation for Visit
Please bring your requisition with you on the day of your appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
A bone density test requires little preparation. You may eat normally and take medications as prescribed by your doctor the morning of your test.
The only restrictions are:
- Do not take any vitamin pills or mineral supplements the morning of your exam.
- You must not have any exams involving barium or radioisotopes within the last month.
These scans interfere with the bone density results.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
A bone density test is a simple, non-invasive and painless exam to measure bone mass in areas such as your spine and hip. The standard test involves a low dose x-ray scan to detect signs of bone thinning and mineral loss.
A bone density scan takes about 20 minutes, including registration. During the procedure, you will lie on a table for five to eight minutes for a scan. A technologist will sit next to you throughout the procedure.
Getting Your Results
The results of your bone density scan will be available within three to five days. This information will enable your doctor to determine if you're at risk for fractures and require further evaluation. The lower your bone density, the higher your risk for fracture. Test results also help you and your doctor plan the best course of action for your bone health.
Please note that due to the high number of patient visits to our hospital every day, you may experience clinic wait times and a delay in finding parking. We encourage you to arrive early and allow for extra time on the day of your appointment. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment will be rescheduled to another day. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Care Team
- Medical Radiation Technologists
- Radiologists
Education & Additional Information
Your doctor can help determine if you should have a bone density test.
They are recommended if you are age 65 or older regardless of risk.
Routine exams are only performed every three years. High risk population should receive bone mineral density testing every year. If you're under 65 years of age, you should have a bone density test if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Calcium-deficient diet
- History of amenorrhea - the abnormal absence of menstruation
- History of malabsorption
- Moderate to high alcohol intake
- Poor nutrition
- Postmenopausal
- Prolonged treatment with steroids, certain anti-cancer drugs, thyroid hormone and some anti-seizure medications
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Significant caffeine consumption
- Small-boned frame
- Smoker
Hours of Operation
Betty Wallace Imaging Clinic
Queensway Health Centre:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Credit Valley Hospital:
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Mississauga Hospital:
Tuesday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Diagnostic Imaging
Betty Wallace Imaging Clinic
Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A5
Diagnostic Imaging
Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Ave. W.
Mississauga, ON L5M 2N1
Diagnostic Imaging
Mississauga Hospital
100 Queensway W
Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8
Contact Information
Betty Wallace Imaging Clinic
Queensway Health Centre
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Credit Valley Hospital
Phone Number: 905-813-2731
Mississauga Hospital
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Referral Process
A referral from a doctor is required.
Please bring your requisition with you on the day of your appointment.
