Common Questions and Answers About BMD Testing
Is a BMD test the same as a bone scan?
No. A bone scan—which may help a doctor identify certain bone abnormalities, such as infection, inflammation, and cancer—requires an injection of radioactive material. A BMD test requires no special preparation, medication, or injection.
How much radiation will I be exposed to?
If you are tested with a machine that uses sound waves, you will not be exposed to any radiation. Other machines will expose you to very little radiation—in most cases, less than you would be exposed to on a cross-country flight.
How much does a BMD test cost?
Some insurance companies cover BMD testing. Check with your individual plan to find out whether BMD testing is covered. If you are a woman older than 65 years and you qualify, the cost of your BMD test may be covered by Medicare.
How long does the BMD test take?
Tests of the spine, hip, finger, wrist, or heel usually take no more than 5 minutes.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably without metal buttons, buckles, or zippers.
What do the results mean?
Bone density test results, known as T-scores (which measure bone strength), compare your bone density with that of healthy young adults of your gender. Normal bones are healthy and strong. Bones weakened by osteoporosis have become thin, making them more likely to break.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends treatment for women with the following T-scores:
- Below –2.0 in the absence of other risk factors.
- Below –1.5 with 1 or more risk factors.
Getting treatment
Talk to your doctor about your T-score and your need for treatments that help build bone and help prevent fractures because of osteoporosis.
Where to get tested
Talk to your doctor or local pharmacist about BMD testing. Some pharmacies conduct BMD testing periodically at their stores. You do not need a referral from your doctor to get a BMD test.
Return to “How Is Osteoporosis Detected?” home page.
Explanation of T-scores.
Selected Cautionary Information About FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D
You should not use FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D if you have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach), are not able to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes, have severe kidney disease, low blood calcium, or are allergic to FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D. Before use, talk to your doctor if you have or have had stomach or digestive problems or problems with swallowing. You should tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. In addition, for FOSAMAX PLUS D, you should talk to your doctor if you have conditions that may cause an overproduction of vitamin D (eg, sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma).
Stop taking FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, or chest pain because these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems, which can include irritation, inflammation, or ulceration of the esophagus. (See the Patient Product Information for more details.) If you develop severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain at any time, contact your doctor. FOSAMAX AND FOSAMAX PLUS D may cause jawbone problems in some people. Jawbone problems may include infection, and delayed healing after teeth are pulled. Digestive side effects in studies were generally mild and included stomach pain, indigestion/heartburn, or nausea.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.