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Bone Density Tests Directory
Bone density tests (also called bone mineral density tests) check your bone strength and are used to help diagnose osteoporosis. All women 65 and over, those with osteoporosis risk factors, and all postmenopausal women with a broken bone should be tested. Types of bone density tests include DEXA (or DXA), QCT, SXA, and more. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how and why bone density tests are done and what they can diagnose.
Medical Reference
Bone Mineral Testing During Menopause
WebMD looks at the importance of bone mineral density testing during menopause to check for osteoporosis.
Learn About Bone Densitometry
WebMD looks at bone densitometry scans, a type of test that can detect problems such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
What Is a Bone Mineral Density Test?
A bone mineral density test examines segments of your bone through X-rays to detect osteoporosis. The test is quick and painless, and it gives you a snapshot of how strong they are.
Osteoporosis and Bone Density Scans
How is bone mineral density measured? Learn more about DXA, also called DEXA, a common test used to diagnose osteoporosis.
Features
Bone Density Tests: A Clue to Your Future
DEXA bone density scans: Will you glide into your golden years or live out a fractured fairy tale?
Osteopenia
About 18 million Americans have osteopenia, a health problem can turn into osteoporosis.
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?
What you need to know about vitamin D, including how much you need, food sources of vitamin D, vitamin D blood tests, and vitamin D deficiency.
Osteoporosis: Advances in Bone Health
Advances in research are shedding new light on osteoporosis, which may affect up to half of all Americans over age 50 by the year 2020.
Video
Slideshows & Images
Super Foods for Your Bones
Some of the foods that are good for your bones might surprise you. Greens? Figs? Salmon? Dig in!
The Truth About Vitamin D’s Health Benefits
Learn more about what vitamin D does and how much you need.
A Visual Guide to Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to painful bone fractures. Learn who gets osteoporosis, how to tell if you have it, how to prevent it, and effective treatment options.