bone mineral density (BMD)

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Address: 800 Bathurst St Unit 304, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5R 3M8

+1 (416) 531 – 1128

bone mineral density (BMD)2026-07-25T18:08:01-04:00

Patient Information

Bone mineral density (BMD) measures how strong and healthy your bones are. A BMD test is a simple, painless imaging exam that checks the amount of minerals, such as calcium, in your bones. The test helps your healthcare provider determine your risk of osteoporosis and fractures, diagnose bone loss, and monitor how well treatments are working over time.

This version uses simpler language while still covering the key information patients typically need.

Bone Mineral densitometry (BMD) is used most often to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause, but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium and structural changes, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile, and more likely to break. The BMD test can also assess your risk for developing fractures. If your bone density is found to be low, you and your physician can work together on a treatment plan to help prevent fractures before they occur. BMD testing is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis or for other conditions that cause bone loss.

BMD testing takes about 20 minutes. You may be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown. Then you will lie on a padded table with an x-ray generator below and a detector (an imaging device) above.

Most often radiologists focus on bone loss in the spine and hip where most osteoporosis-related fractures happen. During an examination of the spine, your legs will be supported on a padded box to flatten your pelvis and lower (lumbar) spine. To assess your hip, the technologist will place your foot in a device that rotates the hip inward. In both cases, the detector is slowly passed over the area, generating images on a computer monitor.

On the day of the exam, eat normally, but don’t take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours beforehand. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts, or buttons made of metal. Inform your physician and staff at Annex Medical Imaging if you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or radioisotope scan; you may have to wait 10-14 days before undergoing a DEXA test. Women should always inform their physician, radiologist, and x-ray technologist if there is a possibility they are pregnant.

Despite its effectiveness as a method of measuring bone density, it is of limited use in people with a spinal deformity or those who have had previous spinal surgery. The presence of vertebral compression fractures or osteoarthritis may interfere with the accuracy of the test. CT scans may be more useful in such instances.

The results of the exam are interpreted by a radiologist (a physician specially trained to diagnose conditions and diseases by obtaining and interpreting medical images). The radiologist will send an interpretation of your results and a signed report to your primary care physician who will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

The BMD unit measures bone density in the hip and spine. The BMD unit has a large, flat table and an “arm” suspended overhead. During the x-ray exposure the arm moves over the patient’s body. How does the procedure work?

The BMD unit sends a thin beam of low-dose x-rays through the area of the body being examined. The radiation is absorbed by a detector and information is sent to a computer.

All BMD units feature special software to compute the data and display them on a computer monitor, allowing your radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis. The amount of radiation used is extremely small—less than one tenth the dose of a standard chest x-ray.

  • BMD test is the most accurate method available for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. It is also considered an accurate estimator of fracture risk. It will not tell whether you will or will not have a fracture, but gives relative risk of suffering a fracture, just as cholesterol and blood pressure help determine risk for heart disease. A low reading should not cause you to be anxious, but may help you set healthy goals. As with other diseases and conditions, early detection is the key to prevention of further bone loss and eventual fractures.

    Risks

    No complications are expected with BMD testing.

Bone Mineral Density Test

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BMD

Who should have a BMD test done?

  • Women in the age group of 65 and above.
  • Men in the age group of 70 and above.
  • Women below 65 years who have touched the menopause stage and have a risk for osteoporosis
  • Determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.
  • Individuals who fracture a bone past age 50 or have undergone a height loss of one and a half inches.
  • Individuals above 50 years taking drugs associated with bone loss or low bone mass.

BMD Exam Preparation

Please review the document for instructions on “How to prepare” for your upcoming test.

How to Prepare

Avoid taking any vitamin or calcium supplements 24 hours prior to your bone density test. If you have had a barium study or a nuclear medicine injection within the past 14 days of your BMD appointment, please inform the front desk. In this case, your test would have to be rescheduled.

Frequently asked Questions

At what age should I start monitoring my bone mineral density?2026-07-25T18:08:00-04:00

  • Women in the age group of 65 and above.
  • Men in the age group of 70 and above.
  • Women below 65 years who have touched the menopause stage and have a risk for osteoporosis
  • Determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.
  • Individuals who fracture a bone past age 50 or have undergone a height loss of one and a half inches.
  • Individuals above 50 years taking drugs associated with bone loss or low bone mass.
Are there any preparations required for a bone mineral density test?2025-09-08T17:16:21-04:00

Typically, no special preparation is needed. Patients may be asked to avoid taking calcium supplements on the day of the test.

Can lifestyle changes affect bone mineral density test results?2025-09-08T17:16:05-04:00

Yes, maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can positively influence bone density.

Can bone mineral density test results change over time?2025-09-08T17:15:33-04:00

Yes, bone density can change due to factors like aging, hormonal changes, medication use, and lifestyle modifications, so regular monitoring is often recommended.

Can a bone mineral density test predict the risk of future fractures?2025-09-08T17:15:04-04:00

While a BMD test is an important tool for assessing fracture risk, it’s just one component. Other factors such as age, history of fractures, and overall health also contribute to fracture risk.

How long does a bone mineral density test take?2025-09-08T17:14:36-04:00

The test typically takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific areas being scanned.

Can medications or medical conditions affect bone mineral density test results?2025-09-08T17:13:54-04:00

Yes, certain medications (such as steroids) and medical conditions (like hyperparathyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can influence bone density, potentially affecting test results.

What are the consequences of low bone mineral density?2025-09-08T17:12:21-04:00

Low BMD increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which can lead to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.

What factors influence bone mineral density?2025-09-08T17:11:35-04:00

Factors such as genetics, age, sex, hormonal levels, nutrition, physical activity, and certain medications can affect BMD.

How is bone mineral density measured?2025-09-08T17:10:38-04:00

BMD is typically measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, which provides a T-score comparing bone density to that of a young adult.

Why is bone mineral density important for overall health?2025-09-08T17:09:41-04:00

Adequate BMD is crucial for maintaining strong bones, reducing the risk of fractures, and supporting overall skeletal health.

More About Bone Density Testing

Learn more about preparing for your bone density (BMD) test:

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