Osteoporosis Screening

We use ultrasound to detect the risk of osteoporosis by measuring for the bone mineral density of your heel. The heel is measured because its bone is similar to that found in the hip, where fractures occur most often. Bone mineral density is a powerful predictor of skeletal strength and fracture risk, especially when considered along with other factors such as gender, age, and family history. When you receive an osteoporosis screening, you will simply place your foot in a painless ultrasound device called a bone densitometer and the bone mineral density of your heel will be measured.

The objective of a bone density scan is to identify your risk for bone loss and therefore your risk for future bone fracture. If your osteoporosis risk screening finds you are at mild/moderate or high risk, your doctor may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes, schedule a DEXA scan, or even prescribe a drug therapy to increase your bone density.

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Watch Our Screening Video

Watch our screening video to learn more on how we conduct our screenings.

 

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Who should have bone density screenings?

Anyone who has risk factors for osteoporosis should have this screening. If you have already received a DEXA scan, please continue to work with your doctor.

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What you can learn

Our osteoporosis screening is not meant to diagnose osteoporosis, but rather to predict bone loss with similar accuracy to an x-ray–based bone mineral density test. The results are expressed as a T-score, which compares your bone mineral density to the expected bone density value of a healthy young adult (about age 30).

Your osteoporosis risk screening results are reported as 1 of 3 risk categories:

• Low risk (T-score -1.2 and above)
  Further evaluation is not necessary at this time. You may wish to speak to your GP regarding risk factor management and proactive steps such as weight-bearing exercise, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
   
• Mild/moderate risk (T-score -1.3 to -2.5)
  We recommend further evaluation with your doctor. Your doctor may or may not determine that further testing is necessary at this time.
   
• High risk (T-score -2.6 and below)
  We recommend further evaluation with your doctor. Your doctor may or may not determine that further testing is necessary at this time.

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How often should you get screened?

This is a personal decision based on your risk factors and previous screening results. Many of our customers have an annual screening as part of their regular healthcare regime.

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How to prepare

There is nothing you need to do in advance of this screening. Remember to not wear tights because you will need to remove your shoe and sock from one foot and place your heel in a machine to measure your bone mineral density.

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