Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by a bone density scan called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This scan measures the density of bones to assess their strength and your risk of a fracture.

Other tests to measure bone mass density include QCT (quantitative computed tomography) or QUS (quantitative ultrasound scanning).

Blood serum and urine can also be tested for biochemical markers of bone turnover, which assesses how much bone is being formed and broken down. Bone Marker diagnostic tests provide consultants with a holistic overview of a patient’s bone status, helping them to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis as well as monitoring treatment.