Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

Description

Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) is the method used to measure the mass of bone in the body. BMD scan are usually done for osteoporosis patients. Osteoporosis is a disease, which makes bone fragile and easy to fracture. Future risk of fracture can be predicted for through a BMD measurement and steps can then be taken to prevent them from happening.
In SMC, Dual energy X-ray Absorptometry (DEXA) is used to measure BMD. DEXA employs X-rays with very minimal dose to the patient, relative to other BMD techniques, but still pregnant women are not scanned, and the scan shouldn't be repeated before 6 months to a year. For more information, contact the radiology department (link) or Bahrain Osteoporosis Society(link).

Procedure

No preparation is required.
Three sites are measured on the DEXA: the lumbar spine, both hips and the left wrist.
The patient lies on a scanning bed in a position determined by the radiographer.
The arm of the scanning bed moves across the patient.

Precautions

This procedure is NOT performed during pregnancy, or for children five years of age or below.
All metallic objects are removed first, e.g. belts, zippers, coins, watches, etc.

Location

There is 1 room located at the SMC North Block Building.

Ext. No. : 5262 Dir.17285262

Equipment

One Digital DEXA unit and it is manufactured by GE.