What should I avoid before a bone density test?

What should I avoid before a bone density test?

Before Your Bone Density Scan You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal.

Can you drink coffee before a bone scan?

No eating or drinking for 6 hours before the study. No caffeine for 6 hours before the study. No smoking the morning of the test or during imaging. You may need to stop taking certain stomach and narcotic medications 2 days before the study.

What happens if you take calcium before a DEXA scan?

Why can’t I take calcium supplements or multiple vitamins on the day of my DEXA scan prior to my test? If the calcium supplement is not completely dissolved, it will be interpreted by the DEXA instrument as extra bone and may produce an inaccurate reading.

What patient preparation is required for a bone density scan?

Bone density tests are easy, fast and painless. Virtually no preparation is needed. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you’ve recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test.

Can you drink milk before a DEXA scan?

Do NOT eat foods high in calcium for 3-4 hours before your DXA scan. These foods include: milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark green leafy vegetables. Do NOT take calcium supplements, vitamins, or TUMS® on the day of your scan.

Can you take vitamin D before a bone density scan?

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE VITAMINS, CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS, TUMS OR ROLAIDS on the day of your appointment or we will have to reschedule your bone density appointment. Please continue to take all prescription medications.

Can you eat and drink before a bone scan?

Preparing for a Nuclear Bone Scan You can eat and drink as you usually would before your scan. You don’t have to do anything special to prepare. But certain things can interfere with the tracer, so tell your doctor if you have: Taken an over-the-counter medication containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol)

How long does a bone scan procedure take?

It takes pictures of the tracer in your bones. The technologist may ask you to change positions during the scan. This helps to get pictures from different angles. A whole-body bone scan takes about 1 hour to finish.

Can you drink milk before a bone density scan?

Can I take a multivitamin before DEXA scan?

Avoid wearing jeans or denim as the material is dense and can affect the results. If you take calcium supplements, vitamin D in pill form, and/or a multivitamin that contains calcium, stop taking these supplements 48 hours before your test to ensure accurate test results.

Do you need to fast before a bone density scan?

Before a Bone Densitometry Scan You do not have to change your daily routine before this test. Eat, drink, and take any medications as you normally would. However, do not take calcium supplements or drugs that contain calcium, such as Tums, for 24 hours before your bone densitometry test.

Are there better dietary choices for calcium or should we all be taking calcium supplements?

Dietary calcium is generally safe, but more isn’t necessarily better, and excessive calcium doesn’t provide extra bone protection. If you take calcium supplements and eat calcium-fortified foods, you may be getting more calcium than you realize.

What should I take before a bone density scan?

At 6:00 pm the night before your examination, take 4 Tbsp of milk of magnesia and 8 oz. of water every hour before bedtime to help the laxative work. Nothing to eat or drink prior to the scan. If you are diabetic taking Glucophage, Glucovance, or any other medication containing Metformin, you must follow ACR instructions above.

Can you take Tums before a bone densitometry scan?

However, do not take calcium supplements or drugs that contain calcium, such as Tums, for 24 hours before your bone densitometry test. On the Day of a Bone Densitometry Scan Do not bring valuables such as jewelry or credit cards to your appointment for a bone densitometry scan. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown for the test.

Do you need a bone densitometry scan if you are pregnant?

It is used primarily to detect osteopenia or osteoporosis, diseases in which the bone’s mineral and density are low and the risk of fractures is increased. If you think you may be pregnant, notify your doctor before getting a bone densitometry scan. You do not have to change your daily routine before this test.

When to stop taking calcium before a DEXA scan?

Discontinue your ingestion of calcium supplements at least 48 hours before your scheduled DEXA scan. Increased calcium levels introduced by the use of calcium supplements can lead to inaccurate readings which can complicate the diagnosis of any bone problems that may be present.