This medical imaging technique measures the density of body tissue. It can be performed to detail a person’s body composition, including the amount of fat versus fat-free tissue. It may be done to monitor a person’s fitness levels over time. It is often performed with DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), a type of X-ray.
Bone densitometry is a common example. It is a screening test for low bone density, also known as osteoporosis. It measures how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are contained in a bone segment. The bones most commonly tested are in the spine, hip, and sometimes the forearm. Bone densitometry can be done with X-ray or CT scan.
