Scans, tests and results
If your doctor thinks you may be affected by osteoporosis they can refer you for a range of scans and tests, to help them find out if your bones have lost strength.
There’s no simple way to look inside your bones, but a combination of different tests are used to build up a picture of your bone health, and risk of breaking a bone.
Your doctor may refer you for tests if:
- you’ve broken a bone easily
- you have symptoms for spinal fractures
- you have risk factors for osteoporosis and broken bones
- they need to reassess your bone health and risk of breaking a bone, such as at a treatment review
Test | What it can tell your doctor |
X-ray | If you've had any spinal fractures |
Blood test | If another medical condition is causing your symptoms |
MRI scan | If another medical condition is causing your symptoms |
Bone density scan | How much bone tissue you have (your bone density) |
Fracture risk assessment | Your risk of breaking a bone |
Radioisotope bone scan | Whether your broken bones are caused by other medical conditions |
CT scan | How much bone tissue you have (your bone density) |
Bone markers | Whether your osteoporosis medication is working |
Bone biopsy | If there have been any changes inside your bones, although this is rarely used to investigate osteoporosis as it's not a simple procedure |
Be reassured that you don’t need all these investigations, only the ones that help in your situation.
Get support from a Specialist Nurse
Contact our free Helpline for tailored information about osteoporosis and bone health:
0808 800 0035
Or online, through live chat
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