Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

What is a Bone Mineral Density test?

A Bone Mineral Density (also known as BMD, Bone Densitometry or DEXA) test is an easy, non-invasive test that measures the mineral density (such as calcium) in your bones. The test uses x-ray technology to measure bone loss and is conducted on a patient’s lower spine and hip areas.

Bone Mineral Density tests help physicians detect osteoporosis (reduction in bone density), show the effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis and assess the risk of developing fractures.

Learn more about Bone Mineral Density tests on Radiology Info.

What are the benefits and risks of a Bone Mineral Density test?

A Bone Mineral Density test is a safe and accurate way to diagnose osteoporosis. The amount of x-ray radiation used is extremely small – less than one-tenth of the dose of a standard chest x-ray.

Referring a Patient

A completed Diagnostic Imaging requisition form must be completed by a physician and can be faxed to 905-883-0772.

Please ensure the requisition form includes the referring physician’s information and signature, patient information as well as the patient’s clinical history including the date of their last Bone Mineral Density test.

To obtain a copy of the general Diagnostic Imaging requisition form, visit the referral and consent forms page.

How do I find out my appointment date and time?

Please allow three (3) to five (5) business days for a completed requisition form to be reviewed and processed by Mackenzie Health.

A representative from Mackenzie Health Patient Scheduling Office will call the patient to advise:

• Appointment date and time
• Arrival time
• Associated preparations for the test

If you receive a voicemail from the Patient Scheduling Office, please follow the instructions provided on your voicemail and call 905-883- 1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill and 905-883-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan to complete the pre-registration process.

Online convenience with MyChart

Through MyChart patients have online access:

• Appointment calendars and details
• Update your patient demographic at any time and e-check in seven days prior to your next appointment
• Receive post-appointment clinical notes and test results

Patients can register for MyChart when scheduling an appointment or can sign up online at mackenziehealth.ca/mychart.

Can I have a Bone Mineral Density test if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Let your physician know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

• Bone Mineral Density tests are not performed while pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, please cancel your exam and speak with your physician before rescheduling.
• Bone Mineral Density tests can be performed if you are breastfeeding. 

Patients may cancel an appointment via MyChart but will need to re-schedule by calling Patient Scheduling Office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan.

How frequently can Bone Mineral Density tests be performed?

Patients who haven’t previously had a Bone Mineral Density test at Mackenzie Health, are advised that Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) regulations allow for only one baseline Bone Mineral Density test for screening purposes.

• Patients who are deemed low risk are restricted to a second test 36 months after the baseline test. All subsequent Bone Mineral Density tests are then restricted to one test every 60 months.
• Patients who are deemed high risk can have a follow-up Bone Mineral Density test one year plus one day after their last test.

Your referring physician will determine if you fall into a low risk or high risk category.

How do I prepare for a Bone Mineral Density test?

Patients will receive a reminder notification a few days prior to your scheduled appointment. Please ensure you confirm or cancel through the automated system.

Patients are advised by the Patient Scheduling Office to arrive 20 minutes prior to the appointment time.

• A reminder, Mackenzie Health is a scent-free environment.

There are no clinical preparation required for Bone Mineral Density tests.

• Patients are responsible to ensure that there have had no barium, CT contrast or Nuclear Medicine scans in the five days leading up to their scheduled Bone Mineral Density test. To reschedule an appointment, please call 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 or 905-882-4554 ext. 2004.
• Patients are advised to not wear any jewellery, belts, zippers or other metal objects close to the area being scanned (lower spine and hip).
• Inform the scheduler if you will need assistance transferring to the scanning table so we can allocate appropriate time and resources for your appointment.

What do I do when I arrive at the hospital?

Patients are advised by the Patient Scheduling Office to arrive 20 minutes prior to their appointment time. 

• Patients may park in the Visitors parking lot (North of the hospital) and enter through the D-Wing Emergency Department doors. Click here for more information on parking services.

• During peak hours, parking can take longer than expected. Please allow yourself extra time to accommodate this. Alternate options are to take public transit or to be dropped off by a family member or friend.
• Check-in at Patient Registration located in C-Wing Level 2 (between the C-wing, main lobby and D-wing Emergency Department entrance) using our self-serve kiosks.

Map to Patient Registration:

How long does a Bone Mineral Density test take?

On average, Bone Mineral Density tests take approximately 15 minutes.

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Please provide 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Patients can cancel their appointments online using MyChart but will need to reschedule by calling the Patient Scheduling Office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan.

How can I obtain a copy of my test images?

Test results will typically be sent to your referring physician within five business days. If you are registered with MyChart, you will be able to access the text portion of your MRI report under the Test Results section.

Images of your Bone Mineral Density test are available upon request by calling 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Vaughan and will be provided on a CD for $10. Health Information Services will advise when your CD and report can be picked up from Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, B-wing, Level 1, Room 1926. Health Information Services is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you would like to pick up a CD on behalf of another person, please bring an authorizing letter, signed by the person.