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Your doctor has requested a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) study. This booklet will answer some of the questions you may have. 

What is a BMD scan? 

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass leading to fragile bones and increased risk of fractures. A BMD Scan is a simple and painless way to measure bone mass. It helps the physician evaluate the risk of future fractures, determine the need for medical treatment and monitor the success of existing treatment. 

What is involved? 

A BMD Scan is generally done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including lower spine bones, the hip, including the narrow neck of your hip bone and occasionally your forearm. 

When you arrive in the Nuclear Medicine Department, a technologist will explain the entire procedure to you and then give you the opportunity to ask any questions. The technologist will measure your height and weight before starting the scan. You will be asked to lie down on a special table with a foam cushion under your knees. A special scanner will pass over your abdomen and measure the density of the bones in your lower back. When this is complete, the foam cushion will be removed, and your feet will be secured to a special brace in order to measure the bone density in one of your hips. You will be asked to remain very still and breathe normally during the exam. Depending on your physician’s request, we may also measure the density of the bones in your forearm. In order to do this, you will be asked to sit on an ottoman with your forearm placed on a special plastic board. The scanner will then measure the density of the bones in your forearm.  

The entire test takes about 20 minutes. 

Do I need to prepare for the scan? 

• Bring your Health card. 
• No special preparation is required. You will be able to eat, drink and take your medications as normal on the day of your scan.  
• We would like you to dress in clothing that does not have any metal. Please refrain from wearing any jewelry. Please leave all valuables at home. 
• If you are signed up on MyChart, please fill out the online BMD questionnaire before arriving for your appointment. If this questionnaire has not been filled out, it will be given to you when you arrive in the department.  
• Please bring a complete list of your medications with you. 
• Please inform the booking office if you have had CT, MRI or Nuclear Medicine procedures done within the week of your scheduled BMD appointment. 
• Please notify our booking office at the time of scheduling your appointment if you have any concerns regarding claustrophobia, lying still, require a mechanical lift for transfer to the imaging bed, have a language barrier or any other special needs, so that appropriate arrangements can be made ahead to provide you with the best possible care. 

Will it hurt? 

This procedure is completely painless. If you normally have difficulty lying flat on your back for 20 minutes, then this test may be uncomfortable for you. 

Is the radiation dangerous? 

The amount of radioactivity used for this test is very small and is less than most routine x-ray procedures. The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh any potential risk from the small radiation dose.  

Do I need to do anything after the scan? 

No special precautions are needed after the scan.  

Is there anything I should tell the staff before the procedure? 

Please tell us if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant. 

How will I get the results of my scan? 

A specially trained doctor will examine the data from your test. This is normally done soon after the end of the scan. A report is then sent to the doctor who asked us to do the scan. Your doctor will normally receive the report within one to two weeks. You will also have access to the report on MyChart as soon as it is released. 

If you have questions about the scan results or report, please contact your doctor directly. They are best able to interpret the report for you. 

Will this test cost me money? 

No. This test is paid for by the healthcare system. The test costs several hundred dollars, so please notify the department at 613-761-4831 if you cannot make your appointment. 

What should I do if I cannot make my appointment? 

If you cannot make you appointment, it is important that you notify the department at 613-761-4831 as soon as possible. Failure to make your appointment results in reducing availability to other patients. Missed appointments may also result in delays of your treatments. 

Directions 

Riverside Campus  1967 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9 Main Level Tel.: 613-761-4831, option 8 Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Directions: From within the Riverside Campus main entrance, follow the signs to Diagnostic Imaging Reception on the main floor. Patients may also ask for directions at the patient information desk.

Park in either parking lots

Parking 

• All parking lots are automated  
• Take the parking ticket with you inside.  
• When you have completed your appointment, you can pay by cash or credit card at one of our pay stations, or you can pay by credit card with express exit at the parking lot exit gates (the grace period after payment to leave facility is 20 minutes). 
  • Payment methods: Pay stations: Cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). 
• Maximum parking fee is $13.00 

Visit The Ottawa Hospital’s website for additional directions and parking instructions and maps.

Last updated on: March 23rd, 2022