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Bone Densitometry (Osteodensitometry)

What is it?

Bone Densitometry is a test carried out using X-rays (low dose radiation) to assess bone density.
With the results of this test, together with your medical history, your doctor can advise the most appropriate therapy to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis means “little bone” and is characterized by a decrease in bone mass with alterations in the micro-architecture of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and a greater risk of fracture.

IMPORTANT: If you have any doubts about the test and/or questionnaire, ask the technician and/or doctor on duty for a more detailed explanation. Radiographic studies with ingested or injected contrast, such as in some CT scans, in the 7 days prior to the examination are absolutely contraindicated.

How is it done?

Before the test, you will be given a short questionnaire about some aspects of your medical history, which will help us to read the results of the test.

Generally, during a DEXA Bone Densitometry, the patient lies comfortably on a table, while the device scans one or more areas, usually the regions most susceptible to fracture, such as the vertebrae of the spine or the hip/ neck of the femur.

Examinations can also be carried out on the forearm/wrist, in which case the patient sits next to the table with their forearm along it, and examinations of the whole body – bone and soft tissue (here the positioning is identical to the examination of the spine).

Agreements and Prices of Densitometry

  • SNS / ARS (the user does not pay any fee if they have their examination at the NRD with a prescription from the Health Center);
  • ADSE (the user only pays the co-payment, usually between €6 and €9), IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
  • Insurers: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers;
  • Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans.

The price varies depending on the health system or insurance you want to use

Where to do it?

Bone Densitometry can be done at the NRD, at the following address: Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, r/c, 1070 – 060 Lisboa (Next to Praça de Espanha).

How long does Bone Densitometry take?

Once correctly positioned, the examination itself should take between 1 and 4 minutes for each study region. Thus, performing a Lumbar Spine and Hip/Femur neck examination takes between 6 and 8 minutes. The Forearm/Wrist examination takes around 5 minutes and the Whole Body examination takes between 10 and 14 minutes.

Does Bone Densitometry emit radiation?

Unlike conventional X-ray machines, the exposure to X-rays during a Bone Densitometry procedure is extremely low and may be lower than that received, for example, during an airplane trip. However, as with all procedures involving radiation, women who think they may be pregnant should inform their doctor or radiology technician.

The NRD offers its patients advanced technology in this field with low radiation emission, called DXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), which measures the mineral content of bone with the greatest safety and effectiveness.