Bone Mineral Density

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Bone Mineral Density


What you need to know

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Preparing for your visit

Make sure that you have your requisition form and your health card with you Learn More

Preparing for your visit

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Once you receive your requisition form from your doctor, call us to book an appointment.

Please bring a written list of all medication that you are taking to your appointment.

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During your exam

We make it a priority to ensure that you are at ease during your ultrasound exam. Learn More

During your exam

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Remember to bring your health card for your visit. 


What to expect?

We offer private change rooms and a comfortable gown to change into. You may be asked to remove your jewellery. Once you are ready, one of our friendly technologists will take you to the exam room and position you on the exam table.

During the exam, we will scan both your spine and hip (or forearm if needed). If weight restrictions prevent you from using the table, measurements of your wrist will be performed instead. It is important to remain still during the exam; otherwise, images will be blurry. Once the scan is complete, you are free to leave and resume normal activity. 

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After your visit

Once the exam is complete, your doctor’s office will contact you with the results. Learn More

After your visit

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Your results are sent directly from our radiologist to your referring physician. Your family doctor will discuss your results with you.

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What is Bone Mineral Density?

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is today’s standard for measuring bone density and strength. The test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of bone in order to determine osteoporosis.


What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone characterized by low bone density and deterioration of bone tissue. This condition can lead to bone fragility and increased risk of fracture (specifically in the hip, wrist and spine). Osteoporosis develops over time and without symptoms, which is why early detection is important. For more information on osteoporosis, visit www.osteoporosis.ca

We follow the most up-to-date Osteoporosis Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis, as well as the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Practice Guidelines for BMD reporting.

Osteoporosis Canada guidelines recommend that: Everyone over the age of 65 should receive BMD exams. The examination is also available to people under the age of 65, who have the following risk factors:

  • Fracture after a minor fall or bump
  • Taking oral steroids (such as Prednisone) for over three months
  • Early menopause (before age 45)
  • Spine fracture or low bone density (osteopenia) identified on X-ray
  • Conditions such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's or Celiac disease, Hyperparathyroidism, overactive thyroid, Diabetes, liver or kidney disease
  • Low body weight (less than 60kg / 132 lbs)


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