Bone Densitometers: What You Need to Know

When choosing between the wide variety of bone densitometers, the right choice for your health care facility or practice will depend on a variety of factors. Let’s discuss some things you may need to know about bone densitometry units and how they work before you make your decision.

How Do Bone Densitometers Work?

All bone densitometers test the density and mineral content of bones. There are numerous methods of acquiring a result; some offer a quick result and screening functionality, while others deliver increasing levels of accuracy and detail. Some of the technologies used include:

• X-rays
• Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)
• CT scans with specialized computer software
• Portable, non-invasive ultrasound units

What Is a Bone Densitometry Test?

Bone density scan results are used to determine if bone mass is decreasing and to determine fracture risk. Degenerative bone diseases may be diagnosed in the early stages with the right equipment, providing the most flexible treatment options.

Diagnosing osteopenia (bone loss) and osteoporosis are the most common use of bone density tests, but they can also be used to detect fractures, infections, bone abnormalities, and even cancer.

How Is a Bone Densitometer Used?

Testing numerous sites provides the best overall picture of bone density. Sites tested include the radius bone in the lower arm, as well as wrist, fingers, or heel bones. If decreasing density is noted with a portable testing unit, follow-up with a DEXA test may be ordered.

Features of Medical Quality Bone Densitometers

Different models have combinations of these key features to meet your individual facility or home health care needs:

• Ability to test multiple bone sites
• Patient data management capability
• Self-contained and portable for diagnosis and monitoring of disease
• Built-in reference databases for both male and female normal ranges
• Both CE and FDA approval, meeting WHO standards for osteoporosis diagnosis
• Ability to print a bone density scan chart showing trends over patient history
• Cost-effective investment with reliable and accurate results as an alternative to DXA
• Portable, non-invasive, and radiation-free ultrasound bone testing options
• Charting of bone mineral density (BMD g/cm2) of the radius or other testing sites
• Output and/or tracking of T-score and z-score
• Determining the BMDUS Index for male and female patients to determine fracture risk
• Results immediately available to be printed, downloaded, or sent to the EMR

Should You Purchase Bone Densitometers Online?

When you shop for medical testing equipment online, choosing the Medical Device Depot ensures you will receive the best price on the respected brand names used at the top medical facilities nationwide. With a variety of payment terms, including financing, you can purchase with confidence and have the most accurate and reliable medical equipment available today, delivered as soon as tomorrow!

Contact us to discuss the best medical equipment options for your home or medical practice.