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ARTHRITIS
FOUNDATION OF VICTORIA
FACILITIES FOR MEASUREMENT OF BONE DENSITY IN VICTORIA If you are concerned about your risk of osteoporosis, Osteoporosis Victoria advises that you discuss your concerns with your general practitioner prior to having a bone density scan. He/she will discuss any possible risk factors and advise you regarding the importance of bone density testing.There are several techniques for measurement of bone mineral density: Widely available. Not suitable for early detection of osteoporosis. Changes on x-ray can only be seen after approximately 30% of bone has been lost. However, in some instances may be required by the doctor in order to rule out other medical problems in the spine, and to examine for signs of fractures. Radiation exposure for an average x-ray is approximately 50 millirems. QCT SCAN (QUANTITATIVE COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY) Precision and accuracy quite good. Relatively high radiation involved (approximately 200-300 millirems), therefore not a preferable technique. However, this is a useful method when DEXA is not readily available (eg in some rural areas). Available at major hospitals. Nominal charge at public hospitals. SPA (SINGLE PHOTON ABSORPTIOMETRY) Measures forearm; precise but may not give an accurate picture of bone density of spine or hip; takes half an hour. Radiation exposure approximately 5 millirems. DPA (DUAL PHOTON ABSORPTIOMETRY) Measures spine or hip; precision is acceptable for diagnosing osteoporosis but not sufficient to detect changes in individual patients.Radiation exposure approximately 5 millirems. Now superseded by the DEXA.The most accurate way of measuring bone density is the DEXA method. ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENT OF BONE DENSITY There is a bone density service available through some pharmacies. This measurement is determined by ultrasound of the heel. No referral is required. Osteoporosis Australia's Consensus Statement states that this type of measurement of bone strength lacks acceptable measurement precision and long term stability to be recommended for use in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.If a person is shown to have a low bone density through such ultrasound measurement, they will need to be referred for a DEXA scan anyway, because DEXA measures bone density with high accuracy and precision. DUAL ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY (DEXA) Currently the most accurate and recommended form of bone mineral density measurement. It is a very sensitive technique and can detect changes in bone density only 6-12 months after a previous measurement. The spine or hip are measured. Highly precise. The procedure takes approximately 20 - 30 mins. Radiation exposure is very low; approximately 2.5 millirems. (This is lower than a dental x-ray or 1\10 the dose of a chest x-ray).A MEDICARE REBATE is available where the presence of osteoporosis is either known or strongly suspected. The rebate is also available where the patient may have bone loss associated with a variety of medical conditions including chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, proven malabsorptive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, amenorrhoea lasting more than six months before the age of 40 and primary hyperparathyroidism, or long term steroid therapy. If you require repeat DEXA scans, it is advisable that you return to the same testing facility to ensure that subsequent measurements can be accurately compared to the initial test, and an accurate estimate of change in bone mineral density can then be made.
Old information 2001 - Guide only DEXA is available at the following centres:- CAUTION Prices are subject to change without notice. Check with the provider for an accurate cost. Metropolitan
COUNTRY CENTRES:
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