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mke · 06-23-2007, 04:45 AM

I'm no expert but I've had two different types of tests.

A bone density scan is a sort of super x-ray of the lower back and pelvic area. It doesn't take long. This one checks for osteoporosis. I've had this a couple times because of age and I'm small boned.

A bone scan is a scan of the entire body - head to toe. You get a shot of some radioactive thing and then wait a while and drink a lot of water. It takes quite a while, 40 minutes or so, for the machine to completely traverse your body. This one checks for mets to the bones. I've had this one twice as part of the tests before surgery.

06-23-2007, 04:45 AM	#8
mke Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 64	I'm no expert but I've had two different types of tests. A bone density scan is a sort of super x-ray of the lower back and pelvic area. It doesn't take long. This one checks for osteoporosis. I've had this a couple times because of age and I'm small boned. A bone scan is a scan of the entire body - head to toe. You get a shot of some radioactive thing and then wait a while and drink a lot of water. It takes quite a while, 40 minutes or so, for the machine to completely traverse your body. This one checks for mets to the bones. I've had this one twice as part of the tests before surgery.