Bone Density Scans are a Quick, Simple & Painless Way to Determine Bone Mineral Density in Your Body
The results of this test help predict your risk for bone fractures as well as determine if you have osteoporosis. (Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break, usually resulting from a loss of calcium in your bones over time.) By monitoring your bone density, you and your physician can work together to prevent fractures before they happen.

What Happens When I Get a Bone Density Scan?
When coming for your bone density scan, please wear clothing without metal zippers, snaps or buttons made of metal. Remember to bring all medications you are currently taking and the containers they come in. The test will take approximately 20-30 minutes, during which you will lie on a padded table. The machine will send an invisible beam through your bones to measure your bone mineral density. The amount of radiation used in this test is very small – much less than what you would receive with a standard chest X-ray.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis include:

• Age
• Alcohol abuse
• Caucasian or Asian heritage
• Gender (it is more likely to occur in females)
• Heredity – Family History of Osteoporosis
• Inactive lifestyle
• Low calcium and Vitamin D intake
• Menopause
• Small or thin frame
• Smoking

Bone Density scans are performed at:

• McLeod Breast Imaging Center. on the First Floor of the McLeod Pavilion, 801 East Cheves Street, Florence.
• McLeod Darlington, Radiology Department, 701 Cashua Ferry Rd, Darlington, SC
• McLeod Health Clarendon, Radiology Department, 10 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC