Bone density scan

Key facts A bone density scan is a medical test used to help identify low bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by low bone density and the weakening of the building blocks that make up your bones. People living with osteoporosis have porous, fragile bones, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures (broken bones). If you have higher-than-average risk factors for osteoporosis (for example, older age, various medical conditions and long term use of certain medicines) your doctor might refer you for a bone density scan. Bone density scans are widely accessible, painless, are