Bone strength, or even bone loss, is difficult, if not impossible, to assess without medical tests. A variety of tests can evaluate bone status, bone density, bone mass and osteoporosis. Tests for osteoporosis include laboratory tests, such as blood work or non-laboratory tests, such as bone mineral density tests. Some non-laboratory tests are non-invasive, painless and reliable screening for osteoporosis.
The DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan is the preferred method to test for Bone Mineral Density (BMD), or strength of the bones. The DEXA scan is a simple, quick test similar to having a low-energy x-ray. Since this test is non-invasive, it is painless and produces no known side effects. The DEXA scan measures BMD from the hip, spine, wrist or ankle. According to the "Hughston Report," a DEXA scan will reveal one of three possible diagnoses: normal BMD, osteopenia (which is early thinning of bones) or osteoporosis.
Additional Osteoporosis Tests
According to "Diagnostic Tests for Osteoporosis," Dr. Alan R. Gaby, M.D., states that physicians might order laboratory tests to determine the causes of osteoporosis. The blood tests reveal blood calcium levels, vitamin D levels, thyroid functioning, testosterone levels (to check for bone deficiency in men) and alkaline phosphatase. Other laboratory tests include urine tests that help evaluate the rate of bone formation. In addition to laboratory tests, further non-laboratory tests that other physicians prefer for diagnosis are ultrasound, CT scans and x-rays. Each of these tests could reveal a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Bone Scans
A bone scan is an invasive test used to rule out other conditions of the bones besides osteoporosis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, physicians use this test to determine increased or decreased bone turnover or metabolism. The advantage to this test is that it provides physicians with early diagnosis of conditions such as infection. Patients who have high frequencies of bone fractures may be candidates for bone scans. This test takes longer to perform than other tests of the bone.
