This test screens for osteoporosis, degeneration of bone over time. The exam is usually done on the hip and spine. The main two exams used are DEXA or QCT, both forms of X-ray. The QCT, however, is a type of CT scan which gathers cross-sectional information and may be more precise.

Osteoporosis is generally an undiagnosed disease that is found only after an osteoporotic fracture has occurred. At this point, treatment is very difficult. Detection of osteoporosis allows for early treatment of the disease which can help reverse some of its effects and slow the development of painful symptoms. Men are also at risk for osteoporosis and this is an underdiagnosed problem. Men may be at increased risk with advancing age, with long-term steroid use, alcoholism, underweight, unexplained or low-trauma fractures, low calcium intake, inadequate physical exercise, smoking, heredity, caucasian race, low testosterone, athritis medicines, anti-convulsants, aluminum containing antacids, and certain other medications and conditions. Check with your doctor.

Generally you will lie on a table as the X-ray machine passes over and beside you. Usually a technologist performs the test and a radiologist interprets the results.

Jewelry and other metal can disturb the X-ray image so you will likely be instructed to refrain from wearing jewelry, metal belts, and zippers. Your will also probably be asked not to take calcium supplements during the 24 hours prior to the exam.

• Family history
• Personal history
• Race: Caucasian
• Smoking
• Eating disorders
• Low body-weight
• Small frame
• Alcoholism
• Early menopause
• Inadequate weight-bearing exercise
• Low calcium intake
• Steroid use
• Tall height
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid conditions
• Immunodeficiency
• HIV
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Medications including: cyclosporine A, methotrexate, heparin, cholestyramine, aluminum-containing antacids, anticonvulsants, excessive thyroid hormones
• Prolonged (>1 year) use of proton pump inhibitors or H2-blockers in patients over 50 years old