Barnes Jewish West County Hospital

Radiology 1

Bone Density

Bone densitometry is an imaging examination that measures bone mineral density, which is an indicator of bone strength.

The imaging technique used to measure bone density at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Imaging Center is a procedure called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, which is one of the most common and effective tests available. During a Bone Density scan, density measurements are taken of bones at specific areas in the body. Those measurements are then compared to a database of "normal" individuals of the same age, sex and race as the patient. The results show whether the patient has lost bone density. The measurements also help determine the presence of osteoporosis and can be used to estimate risks for bone fractures.


		Bone Density Bone densitometry is an imaging examination that measures bone mineral density, which is an indicator of bone strength. The imaging technique used to measure bone density at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Imaging Center is a procedure called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, which is one of the most common and effective tests available. During a Bone Density scan, density measurements are taken of bones at specific areas in the body. Those measurements are then compared to a database of "normal" individuals of the same age, sex and race as the patient. The results show whether the patient has lost bone density. The measurements also help determine the presence of osteoporosis and can be used to estimate risks for bone fractures.