What to tell your doctor before the test

Before undergoing a bone density test or osteoporosis test, the patient should tell the doctor in detail about his health, which directly affects the accuracy of the test results. First of all, past medical history, especially bone-related diseases such as fractures, arthritis, and thyroid dysfunction, is an important basis for the doctor's evaluation. In addition, medication records are also important, as some medications (steroids, antiepileptic drugs, etc.) can cause bone loss, and medications supplemented with calcium and vitamin D may temporarily affect laboratory data. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Health Bureau, about 15% of patients taking steroids for a long time have osteoporosis problems, so doctors need to adjust their examination and interpretation according to their medication status.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should also be especially careful, although testing methods for osteoporosis are often non-invasive (such as DXA scans), but to avoid potential risks, pregnant women are usually advised to delay the test. If you have recently had other bone examinations (X-rays, MRIs, etc.), you should take the initiative to ask your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. This information can help your doctor choose the best test method and avoid repeated exposure.骨質密度檢查

Dietary precautions before the test

Diet is one of the key factors that affect the results of bone density tests. Since short-term increases in blood calcium levels can interfere with instrumental interpretation, excessive consumption of calcium supplements or high-calcium foods (e.g., dairy products, calcium tablets) should be avoided from 48 hours before the test. The Hong Kong Nutrition Society recommends a daily calcium intake of about 1,000 mg for adults, but it can be temporarily adjusted to 600-800 mg two days before the test to bring it closer to the daily reality.

Caffeine can promote calcium excretion, so coffee, strong tea, and energy drinks should be avoided for 24 hours before the test. Studies show that a cup of coffee can increase urinary calcium excretion by 2-3 mg, which may indirectly affect laboratory data. In addition, fasting is not required, but it is recommended to avoid eating large meals, especially high-fat meals, before the test to avoid discomfort.

Clothing recommendations before the examination

Comfortable and appropriate clothing can make the osteoporosis screening process smoother. You may need to sleep flat or adjust your posture during the test, so it is recommended to wear loose cotton clothing (such as sportswear) and avoid skinny jeans or dresses. Metal items can interfere with the accuracy of DXA scanning, so choose clothing without metal accessories (such as zippers, buttons, or belt buckles) or change to a special gown for inspection.

You should also remove accessories (necklaces, watches) and coins in your wallet in advance. According to the guidelines of the Hong Kong Association of Radiologists, even small metal objects can lead to local image misidentification, especially during lumbar spine and hip scans. If the patient has a permanent metal implant (e.g., artificial joint), the technician should be notified in advance to adjust the scanning area.骨質疏鬆檢查

Review the process and precautions for the day

On the day of your visit, please bring your health insurance card, referral letter, and past reports. Upon arrival at the medical facility, the medical staff will explain the specific process, and common osteoporosis testing methods include:

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): the gold standard for measuring the lumbar spine and hip joints
• Quantitative ultrasound (QUS): Often used for heels, suitable for initial screening
• Computed tomography (QCT): provides three-dimensional data, but with a higher radiation dose

The actual inspection takes about 10-20 minutes and requires the process to stand still. Technicians may use cushions to fix the position of the limbs, and relaxing the muscles can help you get a clear image. If you feel anxious, practice deep breathing techniques beforehand. While no special recovery is required after the examination, some sensitive groups may experience temporary dizziness, so it is recommended to rest a little before leaving.

You can resume your normal life immediately after the examination

Bone densitometry is non-invasive, has few side effects, and once completed, patients can eat and move normally. According to the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Association, about 90% of test results can be interpreted by the attending physician within 3-5 working days. The report typically includes T-values (compared to younger adults) and Z-values (compared to peers).

If you experience any unusual pain or skin discomfort (very rarely) after the test, report it to your healthcare provider immediately. Based on the results, the doctor will recommend the frequency of follow-up and treatment options, such as increased weight-bearing exercise, dietary adjustments, or medication interventions. Regular check-ups are important to monitor bone changes, and high-risk groups are advised to re-examine every 1-2 years.

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