A bone density test uses a small amount of X-ray to measure the amount of mineral in the bones of your lower back, hip and, at times, your forearm. For the test you will lie on a table and let the machine do all of the work, moving back and forth as it measures your bone density. Since this is a non-invasive test, you will not be given any injections or medications and can eat and drink normally before the test. Also, unlike an MRI, the machine utilized is very open, meaning you will not feel “closed in.”
Generally bone density tests are administered to: