Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones in the body become weak and brittle due to a loss in tissue, either due to hormonal changes or a deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. It is especially a hazard for the elderly, and results in a significantly larger chance in a broken bone. Bone Mineral Density is an x-ray used to assess the density in your bones. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis and also to evaluate how the treatment of osteoporosis is progressing. This test requires you to lie on your back while a mechanical arm scans over your body. The amount of radiation emitted during this test is minimal and is even less than that exposed during a chest x-ray.
While no preparation is required for this test, it is advised that you wear comfortable clothing with no zippers or fasteners.