A Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) scan is a special type of X-ray that measures bone mineral density. It provides information about bone strength or fragility and the risk of fractures or broken bones. The higher the density, generally, the lower the risk of fracture.
A Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) scan is a special type of X-ray that measures bone mineral density. It provides information about bone strength or fragility and the risk of fractures or broken bones. The higher the density, generally, the lower the risk of fracture.
These low dose x-ray scans provide an overall assessment of your bones to assess for possible osteoporosis or reduced bone density. A dedicated x-ray unit is used to perform these scans.
Routinely the lower spine and hip are scanned. As any condition affecting bone density tends to affect the whole skeleton, information from a few areas of the body are enough to determine the overall bone density. The BMD of the hip and spine has been shown to be the best way of predicting the overall risk of bone density deficiency.
There are strict criteria for patients being able to claim a Medicare rebate for a bone density scan. Lake Imaging’s administration staff can explain these to you at the time of your booking.
A referral from your doctor and an appointment are required for a DEXA examination.
Our customer service team may ask a series of questions at the time of making your appointment to understand if you are eligible for a Medicare rebate.
There is no preparation required for bone densitometry.
At the start of the examination at Lake Imaging the radiographer will ask you a few questions and measure your height and weight. You will then be asked to lie on the scanner in a position that enables the x-ray arm to pass across your lower spine before a second scan is taken over your hip.
The radiographer will carefully analyse the scans using specialised computer software to provide an overall assessment of the density of your bones.
The examination will take a total of 20 minutes.
You can resume normal activity immediately after your examination.
If the results of your x-ray examination are needed urgently, or you have an appointment immediately after your scan with your referring doctor or health care provider, Lake Imaging will arrange to have your results available immediately. Otherwise your referring doctor or health care provider will receive your report within 48 hours of your x-ray examination.
Please ensure you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your results.
Bone density scans emit small doses of x-ray radiation. At Lake Imaging you can be assured that by using the latest technology and with staff trained in radiation reduction techniques, radiation doses are as low as reasonably possible. Your doctor will take into account the cumulative number of scans of each patient before referring for scans. Scans will only be taken when any risks are far outweighed by the potential benefits to the patient.
If you are, or may be pregnant, please inform our radiology team before your examination.
In conjunction with Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), we now offer percept NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) at our Sunbury and Melton clinics.
This simple blood test analyses DNA, comparing all 23 pairs of chromosomes to screen for conditions such as Down Syndrome
For more information, call us on 9744 5344 or contact your GP. Further information about the screening can be found at vcgs.org.au
*Please note: only the obstetric ultrasound scan performed in conjunction with NIPT is bulk billed, any other obstetric scans will incur an out-of-pocket fee.
I wish to access Lake Imaging Pty Ltd (Lake) Patient Archiving Communications System (PACS) and/or Radiology Information System (RIS) as described above.
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