300 Prospect Avenue
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Your Bone Densitometry Examination

A bone densitometry is a fast, simple examination. It may be the easiest medical examination you will have over the course of your life. Basically, all it involves is for you to lie back and let the bone densitometer do the work. However, there are always valid concerns about any medical procedure. After reading the following material any concerns should be alieviated.

Will it hurt?

Absoluterly not. There is no pai at all associated with a bone densitometry examination.

Is the examination safe?

Bone densitometry involves an extremely small dose of radiation. How small? An AP spine scan delivers less than one-tenth the dosage of a chest x-ray. As in any medical procedure, if you are pregnant be sure to inform your physician.

Is there any special preparation involved?

Unlike many other medical examinations, no special preparation is required. There are no painful contrast injections, bad-tasting oral preparation of uncomfortable enamas.

Do I have to alter my eating habits?

This is not an examination that requires you to have any empty stomach, drink a certain amount of water, or any other such pre-examination preparation on your part.

What should I wear?

Wear any kind of clothing you like, but please avoid metal buttons or buckles.

What do I do during the examination?

Lie still. Breathe normally. Rest comfortably.

What will the examination determine?

The bone densitometer will measure your bone mineral density (BMD). It will also compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic background. This information will be used by your physician in making a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk.

Is that all there is to it?

That's all. Your physician will take care of the rest.

For more information about the services and programs provided by Levi Hospital call (501)624-1281 Or e-mail us at billie@levihospital.com.