611 MRI•CT – State College
611 University Drive, State College, PA 16801
Tel: (814) 234-2600 Toll Free: (800) 624-6110 Fax: (814) 867-5285

How does the densitometer work?
The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine, hip, or even the whole body. The x-ray is composed of two energy levels which are absorbed differently by the bones in the body. The technical term for the method is "dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry", or DEXA. A computer is able to determine from these differences how much bone mineral is present. The spine and hip are measured because that is where osteoporotic fractures occur most. No special preparation is needed for a bone densitometry.

Is the test safe?
Even though x-rays are used, the amount absorbed by the patient is only about one tenth of that received from a chest x-ray. Other x-ray procedures have even higher radiation doses. The radiation dose from the bone densitometry test is comparable to the naturally occurring radiation you are exposed to in one week.

25 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis. In fact, the bone-degenerating disease is responsible for 1.3 million fractures each year. Fifty percent of women over age 50 have had an osteoporosis-related bone fracture.

By age 75, a third of all men are affected by Osteoporosis.

Physicians agree - women and men over 50 should know their bone density. 611 MRI CT, Centre County's foremost private imaging center offers Dexascan. The examination is safe, easy and private, and takes under 15 minutes. Our on-staff radiologist will send a full report to your physician.