- Advanced Bone Density Testing
- Body Composition Analysis
- Fees
- Vertebral Fracture Analysis
- Abdominal Aorta Calcification
- X-Rays Advanced Bone Density Testing (DEXA)
We specialise in Advanced Bone Mineral
Densitometry examinations to determine the degree of bone density
in patients, using DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry).
This is the 'Gold Standard' in bone density testing and
required by all doctors prior to any treatment. As part
of the DEXA examination we can also perform a
vertebral fracture analysis (VFA) on request for the
most complete assessment of bone health available today. |
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We have installed the very latest in DEXA technology - the Hologic
Discovery A. Hologic units are used in 80% of all research studies
because of their exceptionally high degree of accuracy and
reproducibility. The rotating C-Arm means that DEXA and VFA
examinations can be performed while the patient remains in a
relaxed, supine position.
Standard Bone Density testing involves scanning
two regions of the body - the lumbar (lower) spine and one hip, each of
which takes just a few seconds. The scan is quick and painless, and
the results are then compared to our database of Australian or
other populations and scores are determined. If you have visited
us before, your new scan will be compared to the previous one and
any changes noted.
All patients are supplied with lots of excellent
information relating to bone health and reducing their fracture
risk.
Results
are generally ready within 15
minutes of completion of
the examination, and are given to the patient to
return
to their referring practitioner.
•
Preparation
- Patients are requested to wear comfortable clothing
preferably without zips, wire or any other metal (a tracksuit is
ideal).
- Patients should not take any calcium supplements on the day
of the examination
- The exam should not be performed within 72 hours of a
nuclear bone scan.
- The exam should not be performed within one week of a barium
study (e.g. barium meal, barium enema etc).
- Any previous bone density scans and x-rays should be brought
along to your appointment.
•
Other Important Information
The entire visit takes around 30-40
minutes from arrival to results.
We are able to accept all
referrals from all medical practitioners (whether on our
letterhead or not), so don't hesitate to call us if you would
prefer to attend our clinic. |
Important Note:
Osteoporosis scans of the heel performed at your local chemist
are used for general screening only: if they show any decrease
in bone density, you will still need to have a DEXA
examination anyway. |
Q: "I had a previous DEXA performed at
a different
clinic; should I go back there for my follow-up or can
I come to you"?
A: We have the very latest
software which Hologic have developed over many years during
hundreds of research projects, and with it we can successfully and
accurately convert your previous scan results from any other
machine for use on our equipment to
get accurate follow-up results.
Just make sure you bring a copy of
your previous scans with you.
Note: only the latest Hologic
software is capable of importing and accurately converting results
from other manufacturer's equipment.
•
Our Staff
Poor technician training is seen
as the primary cause for inaccurate bone densitometry results, and
research has shown that this is a surprisingly large percentage of
examinations performed.
In Australia bone densitometry is a small component of an imaging
technologist’s training, so we have sought to remedy this by
ensuring that our technical staff are members of the
International
Society for Clinical Densitometry, and are trained to ISCD
Technologist Bone Densitometry Certification level – universally
regarded as the most comprehensive qualification available in Bone
Densitometry.
That's
why we're the specialists!
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