Bone density (1115)

Your child’s scan is scheduled for (date) _____________ at (time) _________________ in the Imaging (Radiology) Department. 

Please stop at a Welcome desk for a badge and directions to Imaging, on the 1st floor of the Children’s Wisconsin - Milwaukee Hospital. 

What is a bone density test?

A bone mineral density test uses x-rays to show how thick, or dense your child’s bones are. This test is sometimes called a BMD or DEXA test. Knowing how strong your child’s bones are helps the doctor know if your child is at risk of getting a broken bone (fracture). The test is painless.  No shots are needed and nothing is swallowed.  The x-ray uses a very low dose of radiation.  

How do I prepare my child?

Be sure your child’s clothes do not have any metal on or in them. If you child does have metal on their clothing, they will be asked to change into a gown.
For 7 days before the test, your child should not have any:

– CT contrast.
– Barium. 
– Nuclear Medicine exam.

How is the scan done?

• Your child will go into a special room for the exam.  Your child will lie on a comfortable bed.  
• One or more pictures of the lower spine, forearms, hip or whole body will be taken.  
• The pictures are taken without any lights, or loud sounds.
• The pictures take about 15 to 30 minutes.  

When will the results be ready?

A doctor who has special training in reading x-rays, called a radiologist, will look at the pictures after the scan is done.  Your child's doctor will be given the results of the scan within 48 hours.  Your child’s doctor will then share the results with you.