What is the screening test for osteoporosis?
A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test is a type of bone density test. It checks for osteoporosis. The test measures bone thickness. It is used to see if your bones are getting thin and brittle, which means they could break more easily.
Testing at least two different bones each time is the most reliable and accurate way of measuring bone density.
In most cases, a bone density scan is done in a radiology department or clinic by a technologist. The DXA scan, which scans the hip and lower spine, takes about 20 minutes.
Who should be screened for osteoporosis?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all women age 65 and older routinely have a bone density test to check for osteoporosis.
If you are at increased risk for broken bones caused by osteoporosis, routine testing should start sooner. The USPSTF recommends that you and your doctor check your fracture risk using a tool such as FRAX. These types of tools can help you decide whether you should be screened for osteoporosis.
Most experts recommend that the decision to test younger women be made on an individual basis. It depends on the risk of osteoporosis and whether the test results will help with treatment decisions.
Experts suggest that older men talk to their doctors about osteoporosis and have a bone density test if they are at risk.
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