Importance of Bone Health

Bone densitometry is a safe, accurate, and painless way to measure bone density.

DEXA scans measure the bone density of a patient and compares it to the bone density of a young normal reference population. Regular bone density screenings done by InvestMed can diagnose osteoporosis and other bone problems early. From there, they can be managed and even curbed with prescription medication and lifestyle modifications.

Over 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Canada, 2023

Test : Bone Density
Early Detection Of : Osteoporosis, Bone Fractures, Bone Loss, Heart Disease
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Bone Density Scan with DXA

DEXA is today’s established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).

The bone densitometry test is a safe, accurate, and painless way to measure bone density.

The DXA system takes an x-ray image and your results are compared to normal bone mineral density values based on your age, gender, and ethnicity to determine if you have high, normal, or low bone density.
This information, combined with risk factors and previous fracture history, is used to determine your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Risk Assessment of Bone Disease, Fractures And More

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass, which in turn makes individuals more susceptible to fractures and broken bones. Fortunately, it can be detected and treated. A bone density test is the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs.

Bone Loss

A DXA scan can evaluate the bone density in the hip, spine or other bones in certain areas of the skeleton to determine the risk of osteoporosis.

Fracture Prevention

Preventive screening for bone fractures using DEXA can be beneficial for individuals who have had prior bone breakage, or a family history of osteoporotic fractures.

Cardiovascular Health

The DEXA scan can be used to screen for calcium build-up in major blood vessels, known as abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). AAC is a marker of increased risk for cardiovascular events, especially in women, and can potentially be identified early using imaging tests such as a DXA scan.

Benefits of Preventive Bone Density Screening

Without a bone density test, you may not realize you have osteoporosis until you break a bone.

Preventive bone density screenings can help identify individuals who are at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures, allowing for early intervention and treatment to prevent these conditions.

Early Detection of Osteoporosis

A DEXA scan can detect bone loss and osteoporosis at an early stage, allowing for early intervention and treatment to prevent fractures.

Improved Treatment Outcomes

If osteoporosis is detected early, it is easier to treat and manage, which can lead to better outcomes and reduce the risk of fractures.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on the results of the bone density screening, a doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions to help prevent bone fractures.

Increased Awareness and Education

Bone density screening can help individuals become more aware of their risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures, and provide education about ways to improve bone health.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your bone density status can provide peace of mind, especially for individuals who have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures.

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What To Expect From A Dexa Scan

A person does not need to prepare — they can eat and drink as usual on the day of the procedure. However, anyone taking a calcium supplement may need to stop taking it around 24 hours before the scan.

Before The Scan

A technician performs the scan on an outpatient basis. A person may need to remove any metal objects that they are wearing, such as jewelry and eyeglasses.

At the start of the scan, the person lies on their back on the exam table. The technician places the imaging device above them and the X-ray generator below them.

During The Scan

During the procedure, the imaging arm moves slowly over the person’s body while a beam of low-dose energy passes through them. It is crucial to remain still throughout the scan.

The technician will scan the hips, spine and other bones that are common locations of fractures in people with osteoporosis.

After The Scan

There are no side effects of a DEXA scan, so you can leave immediately and continue your normal daily activities. Your scan images and analysis will be printed out and given to you after the scan. Your results can return data on your percentage of visceral fat, weak points within the body, warning signs of possible health issues and diseases, and more. This information offers you a comprehensive look at where your body is healthwise.

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Who Should Get a Bone Density Scan?

Bone density tests, such as a DEXA scan, are recommended for certain groups of individuals who are at higher risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. The following are some general guidelines for who should consider getting a bone density test:

Women over age 65

Women over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, so a bone density test is recommended for this group.

Men over age 70

Men over the age of 70 are also at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, so a bone density test may be recommended.

Postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors

Women who have gone through menopause and are under the age of 65 may benefit from a bone density test if they have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a family history of fractures, low body weight, or a history of smoking.

Men aged 50-69 with risk factors

Men between the ages of 50 and 69 who have risk factors for osteoporosis may also benefit from a bone density test.

Individuals who have had a bone fracture

If an individual has had a bone fracture, especially after a minor injury or fall, a bone density test may be recommended to determine if osteoporosis is present.

Individuals on certain medications

Certain medications, such as long-term use of corticosteroids, can increase the risk of osteoporosis, and a bone density test may be recommended for individuals taking these medications.

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Packages

InvestMed offers thorough health packages designed to meet the individual needs of our patients.

You can choose between a risk-specific package or a comprehensive package to analyze your health and wellbeing. Each package includes a comprehensive 1 hour physical exam and 1 hour review of results with recommendations to achieve optimal health.

Package costs will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Risk-Specific Screening Packages

Cancer Screening Package

Mitigate your cancer risk with preventive screening.

Package starting at $3,999*

MRI
DNA testing – 84 genes for cancer
Mole mapping
Advanced blood work
CT scan
Virtual colonoscopy

Proactive testing can detect changes in your body that could become cancer.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Stroke Screening Package

Knowing your risk for stroke can save your life.

$5,999*

MRA – Magnetic resonance angiography
DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
Advanced blood work
Carotid doppler ultrasound
Echocardiogram

Detect your risk of stroke early, even before symptoms present themselves.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Heart Disease Screening Package

Early screenings are essential for heart disease prevention.

Package starting at $3,999*

Coronary calcium score
DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
Advanced blood work
Exercise stress test
Echocardiogram
CT coronary angiography

Screening for cardiovascular risk factors before you develop heart disease, can help you prevent it.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Comprehensive Screening Packages

Comprehensive Screening Package

Get the right screening tests at the right time.

Packages from $5,999 - $11,999*

Whole body MRI
Coronary calcium score
DEXA scans
Microbiome gut testing
Genetic testing+
Heart health workup
Cancer risk review
Mole mapping
Screen for all material risks

Prevention is key to longevity, whether or not you are presenting symptoms or risk factors.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Corporate Services

Please contact us for a custom corporate package. Specialized corporate rates available.

Comprehensive, proactive health plans
Customized screening tests
Extensive medical risk assessments
Preventive approach to healthcare

Proactively manage executive wellness.

FAQ

Why might I need a bone density test?

A bone density test is mainly done to look for osteoporosis (thin, weak bones) and osteopenia (decreased bone mass) so that these problems can be treated as soon as possible. Early treatment helps to prevent bone fractures.

The complications of broken bones related to osteoporosis are often severe, particularly in the elderly. The earlier osteoporosis can be diagnosed, the sooner treatment can be started to improve the condition and/or keep it from getting worse.

Is a bone scan the same as a bone density test?

Bone density tests differ from bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.

How accurate are DEXA scans?

DEXA scans offer a high degree of precision and accuracy. Medical experts consider DEXA scans to be an accurate test for diagnosing osteoporosis.

Unlike x-ray machines, DEXA machines are checked daily for their ability to measure bone mineral accurately, and no two DXA machines are exactly alike. That is why your healthcare provider will insist that you have all of your DEXA tests done on the same machine.

What will a DEXA bone densitometry scan tell you?

The report presents your bone mineral density results in three ways:

Bone mass in grams per cm square.
T-score: a calculation made from the DEXA manufacturer comparing your bone mass to that of their healthy control group.
Z-score: a calculation made from the DEXA manufacturer comparing your bone mass to that of your peers.

Does a DEXA scan provide a snapshot of my health?

Yes, a DEXA scan will shed light on bone health and risk of osteoporosis, visceral fat and risk of chronic disease, muscle imbalances and risk of overcompensation and injury. It also compares your results to others in your demographic (height, weight, age, sex.)

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