BMD WHOLE BODY X-RAY SCAN

• What it measures: Total skeletal calcium and mineral content to gauge overall bone health.
• Difference from localized DXA: Unlike hip- or spine-only scans, this test captures entire skeleton in one session.
• Typical duration: 10–15 minutes from check-in to finish.

What Is BMD Whole Body X-Ray Scan?

A BMD whole body X-ray scan uses low-dose dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to create a detailed map of bone density and body composition.

• Definition & purpose: Non-invasive imaging that calculates bone mineral content (BMC) and fat vs lean mass.
• How it works: Two X-ray beams of different energy levels pass through the body; the difference in absorption reveals mineral density.
• Radiation level: Less than a cross-country flight—safe for routine screening.

Types of BMD Whole Body X-Ray Scan

1. DEXA whole body – Gold standard; offered at Cadabams Diagnostics.
2. Quantitative CT (QCT) – Higher radiation; reserved for complex cases.
3. Cadabams’ choice: DEXA for low dose, high precision.

• Bone Mineral Content (BMC) – grams of minerals in skeleton.
• Bone Area (cm²) – scanned surface.
• Areal BMD (g/cm²) – key metric for fracture risk.

• Early osteoporosis detection before fractures occur.
• Monitor treatment response to calcium, vitamin D, or medication.
• Evaluate body composition for athletes or weight-management programs.

Benefits

• Quick & non-invasive: No needles or sedation.
• Accurate fracture risk prediction via T-scores.
• Guides lifestyle & medication decisions—diet, exercise, drugs.

Illnesses Diagnosed

• Osteoporosis – T-score ≤-2.5
• Osteopenia – T-score -1.0 to -2.5
• Secondary bone loss – hyperparathyroidism, celiac disease, chronic steroid use

• Stop calcium supplements 24 hrs prior.
• Wear metal-free clothing—no zippers, belts, or jewelry.
• Bring: Government ID, previous BMD reports.

Pre-requisites

• Doctor’s prescription or referral form.
• Women <50 yrs: Mention last menstrual period date.

Best Time to Take the Scan

• Morning slots avoid long waits.
• Skip scheduling within 7 days of barium contrast studies.

Eligibility

• Adults ≥18 yrs
• Weight limit: 130 kg
• Exclusion: Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy

Procedure at Cadabams Diagnostics

1. Check-in & consent – Verify ID, sign consent form.
2. Positioning – Lie flat on open DEXA table.
3. Scan time – 10–15 minutes; stay still; no enclosed tunnel.

Caution Before the Test

• Remove metal objects – watch, keys, coins.
• Inform technician if you had recent contrast CT or nuclear scan.
• Stay still during scan to prevent blurred images.