A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs. This test helps to estimate the density of your bones and your chance of breaking a bone. It is recommended to have a bone density test of the hip and spine by a DEXA machine to diagnose osteoporosis. DEXA stands for “dual energy x-ray absorptiometry”. A bone density test can help you and your healthcare provider:

  • learn if you have weak bones or osteoporosis before you break a bone
  • predict your chance of breaking a bone in the future
  • see if your bone density is improving, getting worse or staying the same
  • find out how well an osteoporotic medication is working
  • let you know if you have osteoporosis after you break a bone

Download > Bone Mineral Density DEXA Request

Patient Information Sheet