Fairview hospitals and clinics offer bone density testing (DEXA) at several locations. Bone mineral density testing is a way to see if your bones are healthy and strong. A bone mineral density test is used to measure the density (strength) of your bones. It is different from a bone scan, which is used to look for fractures or areas of bone inflammation.
Your healthcare provider orders a bone mineral density test to check your bone health. It may be done for several possible reasons:
Your healthcare provider orders a bone mineral density test to check your bone health. It may be done for several possible reasons:
- as a routine screening test
- when your risk for having weak bones is high
- after you have broken a bone to see if weak bones were a cause of the break, which could mean you are at risk for more broken bones.
