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Bone Density Scan
"Testing can detect low bone density early and also predict the risk of future fractures. Testing is safe, quick and painless." —Michael Morich, MD, medical director, Kearney Breast Center
 Bone Densitometry exams (DEXA scans) assist in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Talk to your healthcare provider about checking your bone health and obtaining a referral to the Kearney Breast Center, especially if you are at risk for osteoporosis.
Here are some frequently-asked questions:
What is a bone density scan (densitometry)?
How is my exam scheduled?
How do I prepare for my examination?
When should I arrive for my examination?
What happens during the exam?
How long will the exam take?
What happens after the exam?
What is a bone density scan (densitometry)?
The bone densitometry scan is a fast, simple and painless examination. The bone densitometer measures your bone mineral density. This information will help your doctor identify your risk for bone fractures or osteoporosis. Bone densitometry involves an extremely small dose of radiation equivalent to that of one-tenth the dosage of a chest x-rays. [Return to top]
How is my exam scheduled?
Your healthcare provider must refer you to the Kearney Breast Center for a bone density exam. Either the healthcare provider's office will contact us to arrange an appointment time, or they will ask you to make an appoinment time that is most convenient to you. After the order has been written, please check with your healthcare provider to clarify how your appointment will be scheduled. [Return to top]
How do I prepare for my examination?
You may eat normally on the day of the exam but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Please avoid wearing clothing with buttons, zippers or buckles at the waist. We recommend that you wear clothing with an elastic waist.
We are unable to perform the test if a barium study, radioisotope injection or contrast injection from a CT scan, IVP or MRI procedure was taken within seven days prior to your bone densitometry exam. In addition, this test will not be performed on pregnant women. [Return to top]
When should I arrive for my examination?
Please allow yourself an extra 15 minutes to check in at the Kearney Breast Center. [Return to top]
What happens during the exam?
During the examination, you will be asked to lie still. Simply breathe normally and rest comfortably. [Return to top]
How long will the exam take?
The bone densitometer will take measurements of your spine and hip. The total exam time will be approximately 30 minutes. [Return to top]
What happens after the exam?
You can return to normal activities right away. Your healthcare provider will have the results in approximately three working days after the examination. [Return to top]
Contact Us
Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98665
360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.989.3494 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)
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