A bone density test can be a very important detection tool that can help to uncover serious health issues at an early stage, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. The pros of undergoing one of these tests may include the timely diagnosis of osteoporosis. Knowing that a patient is dealing with this serious issues can mean the prescription of needed medications. Steps can also be taken to help to minimize the chance that an individual will suffer painful fractures and breaks. If a patient is undergoing treatment for osteoporosis, the effectiveness of this treatment can be determined through these scans as well. For many patients, scans of this nature will not tell the whole story and additional tests may be required. Women who are age sixty five or older will most frequently undergo a bone density test. When a post menopausal woman suffers a fracture, a scan of the bones may also be called for. Long term use of hormone replacement therapy can also make a woman a good candidate for testing. These tests can utilize x-rays to determine the number of grams of calcium as well as other minerals that are in the patient's bones. Many patients do not know that they are suffering from osteoporosis until they experience a bone fracture. Timely scans and tests can help to uncover a problem in time for effective treatment.
There are a number of different types of tests that measure bone density. A BMD, or bone mineral density test may use a computed tomography, or CT scan. It may also utilize ultrasound technology. This type of bone density test will be used to measure the presence of minerals in the bones. Loosing a degree of bone mass can be an unfortunate side effect of natural aging. This is because existing bone will break down faster than new material can be manufactured. With the loss of important minerals such as calcium, the bones become much more porous and more light in weight, making them much weaker and more vulnerable to breakage. Another type of bone density test is the dual energy x-ray. The strength of the patient's bones can be reflected in how x-rays pass through the bone tissue. The stronger the bones, the better the rays can pass through. The dual energy ex-ray will usually be used to measure bones in the spine and the hip. A DEXA x-ray is similar but it will usually be used to measure bones in the arms and legs. Dual photon absorptiometry, or DPA tests utilize radioactive matter. In addition to these technologies, ultrasound and CT scans can be used to measure the strength of bones.
For many patients, the cost of a bone density test may be picked up by MediCare. If a woman has already experienced menopause, she may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis. MediCare will cover the cost of these tests when this is the case. Patients who are taking medications for osteoporosis may also need to be scanned periodically and if those patients have MediCare, the tests will be covered. Osteoporosis is a serious health condition that can occur as the bones age. Bones will become weaker and less dense, making them much more susceptible to fracture. Women tend to much more likely to suffer from this condition than men. Genetics may play a part as well. With timely diagnosis, patients can take steps to help to ward off the effects of this disease. There are also certain physical conditions that may require a bone density test. Medicare will cover the expenses related to these tests if the patient suffers from hyperparathyroidism, as well as spinal fractures and abnormalities. Patients who are on corticosteroid treatments for a long period of time they will also be eligible for coverage. The Bible illustrates the attitude of praise that is appropriate for believers. "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people." (Psalm 35:18)
Anyone who is facing a bone density test should know that they do not need to expect to experience any measurable amount of discomfort or pain. These tests are also relatively fast and require very little advance preparation. The bones that are targeted in these scans will usually be the ones that are the most likely to be broken in a fall. That would include the femur, the hip, wrist and forearm bones, and the lumbar vertebrae. During these scans, a patient will lie down on a large machine, or may stand if a smaller, more portable machine is being used. If a woman is concerned about diseases such as osteoporosis, she should consult her doctor to see if she needs to undergo a test of this nature.
A physician will usually explain to the patient what to expect when the results of a bone density test are reported. Results will usually be reflected in something called a T-score. The T-score compares the patients actual bone density to what is considered normal. For example, a score that is above -1 is considered within the normal range. A score that is between -1 and -2.5 means that the patient has some health issues that could lead to osteoporosis. Any score that is below -2.5 indicates a full blown case of osteoporosis. With early detection and careful follow through on treatment, patients can help to keep bones healthy and serious disease at bay or under control.
There are a number of different types of tests that measure bone density. A BMD, or bone mineral density test may use a computed tomography, or CT scan. It may also utilize ultrasound technology. This type of bone density test will be used to measure the presence of minerals in the bones. Loosing a degree of bone mass can be an unfortunate side effect of natural aging. This is because existing bone will break down faster than new material can be manufactured. With the loss of important minerals such as calcium, the bones become much more porous and more light in weight, making them much weaker and more vulnerable to breakage. Another type of bone density test is the dual energy x-ray. The strength of the patient's bones can be reflected in how x-rays pass through the bone tissue. The stronger the bones, the better the rays can pass through. The dual energy ex-ray will usually be used to measure bones in the spine and the hip. A DEXA x-ray is similar but it will usually be used to measure bones in the arms and legs. Dual photon absorptiometry, or DPA tests utilize radioactive matter. In addition to these technologies, ultrasound and CT scans can be used to measure the strength of bones.
For many patients, the cost of a bone density test may be picked up by MediCare. If a woman has already experienced menopause, she may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis. MediCare will cover the cost of these tests when this is the case. Patients who are taking medications for osteoporosis may also need to be scanned periodically and if those patients have MediCare, the tests will be covered. Osteoporosis is a serious health condition that can occur as the bones age. Bones will become weaker and less dense, making them much more susceptible to fracture. Women tend to much more likely to suffer from this condition than men. Genetics may play a part as well. With timely diagnosis, patients can take steps to help to ward off the effects of this disease. There are also certain physical conditions that may require a bone density test. Medicare will cover the expenses related to these tests if the patient suffers from hyperparathyroidism, as well as spinal fractures and abnormalities. Patients who are on corticosteroid treatments for a long period of time they will also be eligible for coverage. The Bible illustrates the attitude of praise that is appropriate for believers. "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people." (Psalm 35:18)
Anyone who is facing a bone density test should know that they do not need to expect to experience any measurable amount of discomfort or pain. These tests are also relatively fast and require very little advance preparation. The bones that are targeted in these scans will usually be the ones that are the most likely to be broken in a fall. That would include the femur, the hip, wrist and forearm bones, and the lumbar vertebrae. During these scans, a patient will lie down on a large machine, or may stand if a smaller, more portable machine is being used. If a woman is concerned about diseases such as osteoporosis, she should consult her doctor to see if she needs to undergo a test of this nature.
A physician will usually explain to the patient what to expect when the results of a bone density test are reported. Results will usually be reflected in something called a T-score. The T-score compares the patients actual bone density to what is considered normal. For example, a score that is above -1 is considered within the normal range. A score that is between -1 and -2.5 means that the patient has some health issues that could lead to osteoporosis. Any score that is below -2.5 indicates a full blown case of osteoporosis. With early detection and careful follow through on treatment, patients can help to keep bones healthy and serious disease at bay or under control.
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