Bone density test preparation

• If you have had a nuclear medicine test involving an injection or a GI/stomach/bowel x-ray involving a barium swallow, delay having the DXA test for 3 weeks.

  • The barium or the injected substances can throw off the bone density test results.

• Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to remove. You may be asked to change into a gown before the scan. If you wear the following, you will probably not have to change into a gown:

  • Try to wear a top with no buttons, zippers or hooks, such as a T-shirt or sweater.

  • If you have a pair of slacks with an elastic waistband, that would be ideal. If not, then please wear loose-fitting slacks.

  • If you are a woman, wear a sports bra with no wires or hooks. If you don’t have one, that’s OK; our technologist will know what to do.

• If you take calcium tablets, do not take your calcium tablet in the morning on the day of the test.

• If there is any chance you are pregnant, you should not have this test.

• If you are wheelchair-bound, you must be accompanied by someone who can help you transfer out of the chair and onto the testing table.

  • The surface of the testing table is 2.5 feet off the floor.