What happens at a bone density scan?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
You lie on a padded table while a scanner arm passes over your hip and spine with a very low x-ray dose - about 10 to 30 minutes, no needles, no tunnel, no prep. The result is a T-score: normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis, and your doctor combines it with your risk factors to decide between lifestyle measures and medication.
What to do
- Wear metal-free clothing. Zippers and buttons can interfere with the images.
- Ask about calcium supplements. Some centers have you skip them for 24 hours before.
- Get the score explained. Normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis each carry a different action plan.
- Pair the result with habits. Calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise are part of any plan the scan triggers.
Related questions
- What is a bone density test?
- What happens at a mammogram?
- What happens at an MRI?
- What happens at a pelvic ultrasound?