A mobile unit offers convenient osteoporosis screening for suitable patients.
A bone mineral densitometry (BMD) test helps to detect loss of bone mass and risk of fracture. It is recommended for people who are at risk of osteoporosis.
A mobile unit offers convenient osteoporosis screening for at-risk patients.
Mobile Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)
NHGD’s mobile BMD provides accessible and affordable osteoporosis screening.
The mobile BMD is a specially constructed trailer that provides bone mineral density scanning. It is equipped with a best-in-class dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) technology unit, which takes bone scans of both the lower spine and hip to gauge bone mineral density.
Spine and Hip BMDs are the gold standard for the assessment of bone mineral and susceptibility to fracture. It is a simple test that measures bone calcium content to help detect early loss of bone mass. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recommended that this bone density test be offered to high-risk women. The test is also necessary in order for clinicians to prescribe follow-up treatment for osteoporosis. The patient is required to present a doctor's referral letter before the screening.
No fasting is required for the test. However, it should not be performed within 72 hours of a nuclear bone scan or within a week of a barium study (barium meal, small bowel barium follow-through or barium enema). Patients should not take calcium supplements on the day of the examination.
Patients will need to bring any previous X-rays to the examination as these may help in the interpretation of results.
There will be a lifestyle survey to complete before the test. A patient service associate at the mobile BMD conducts an interview with the patient before proceeding to the BMD.
During the procedure, patient lies on his or her back on a padded table. A narrow "arm" passes over him during the test. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.
For more information to engage our mobile BMD services, please visit BMD @ NHGD.
For FAQs on osteoporosis screening, click here.
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