Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are painless, and can detect bone loss throughout the body, especially at the spine and hip. Testing is recommended for patients over age 65 and those with:
- A history of fractures
- Menopause
- Peri-menopause, with menopausal symptoms
- Long-term steroid use (i.e,. Prednisone)
- Long absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
Tests
The Hospital of Central Connecticut offers (BMD) tests at different
locations:
- Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA)
DEXA is offered at the hospital's New Britain General campus, 100 Grand St.; Bradley Memorial campus, 81 Meriden Ave., Southington; Newington Diagnostic Center, 66 Cedar St.; and Diabetes, Metabolic Disorder, Endocrinology Practice, 36 Whiting St., Plainville.
Heel Ultrasound
The hospital also offers non-invasive heel ultrasound screening, which tests the density of the heel bone and can indicate whether further BMD testing is needed.
For information about bone health testing, call the Endocrine and Bone Health Center:
New Britain and Farmington offices: 1-888-456-7546
Southington office: (860) 276-9930
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