Bone Mineral Density Test in Singapore
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing is a widely used method to assess bone mass and detect osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become thinner, fragile and more prone to fractures. The test measures the density of the bone and compares the result in relation to young healthy adults to understand one’s risk of fractures.
While osteoporosis cannot be fully reversed, early detection through BMD testing allows for timely treatment and lifestyle adjustments to help preserve bone health and reduce fracture risk. Take the first step towards protecting your bones by scheduling a bone mineral density test today.
What Is a Bone Mineral Density Test?
A bone mineral density test, also known as bone mineral densitometry, is a fast, non-invasive procedure that measures your bones’ mineral content and mass. The most commonly used method is the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This test is an important tool for assessing bone mass and osteoporosis, estimating fracture risk, and monitoring how well treatments are working to protect or rebuild bone strength.
Who Should Consider a Bone Mineral Density Test?
Bone mineral density testing is generally recommended for individuals with risk factors for osteoporosis/fragility fractures*. If you fall into one or more of the categories below, a bone mineral density test may help detect bone loss early and guide preventive care:
- All postmenopausal women with ≥ 1 risk factor for fractures
- Postmenopausal women with OSTA score ≥ 20
- Women with early menopause (≤ 45 years old) or women who have had an oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries)
- All women ≥ 65 years old and men ≥ 70 years old
- Men 50-69 years with ≥ 1 risk factor for fractures
What is OSTA?
Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) is a simple screening tool that uses only age and body weight to estimate an individual’s risk of osteoporosis. It helps doctors decide whether further bone mineral density testing is needed.
*Fragility fractures are fractures sustained from a standing height/minimal trauma
What Are Risk Factors for Osteoporosis or Fragility Fractures*?
- Those with a family history of fragility fractures*/osteoporosis
- Individuals who have suffered previous bone fractures/fragility fractures
- Underweight individuals
- Those who have experienced noticeable height loss (e.g. > 2 cm in 3 years)
- Individuals with nutrient deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D
- Smokers
- Alcohol intake > 2 units/day
- Prolonged immobility/People with a sedentary lifestyle or low levels of physical activity
- History of falls
- Medications** that increase bone loss
- Glucocorticoid use for ≥ 3 months in the last 1 year
- Prednisolone > 5 mg daily
- Hormonal therapy for breast cancer: aromatase inhibitors (e.g. letrozole, anastrozole) or tamoxifen
- Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
- Diseases that may increase the risk of fractures (e.g. diabetes, inflammatory rheumatic disease)
*Fragility fractures are fractures sustained from a standing height/minimal trauma
**Androgen deprivation therapy, anticonvulsants, aromatase inhibitors, chemotherapeutics (e.g. high-dose methotrexate, depo-medroxyprogesterone, glucocorticoids, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tamoxifen in premenopausal women
How Much Does a Bone Mineral Density Test Cost in Singapore?
Prices may vary depending on the clinic, but individuals seeking treatment in public hospitals or polyclinics may be eligible for subsidies. Many private insurance plans cover bone mineral density testing when prescribed by a doctor, so it is best to check with your insurance provider about coverage options.
How to Prepare for a Bone Mineral Density Test
Bone mineral density tests are simple, fast, and painless, and usually require little to no special preparation. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Inform your doctor if you have recently had a barium examination or contrast material for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test, as these may interfere with the results.
- Avoid calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your scan.
- Eat and drink normally, as there are no dietary restrictions.
- Continue your regular medications unless your doctor has specifically advised otherwise.
- Some BMD machines may not be compatible with permanent pacemakers of the heart, and your clinic will advise you if this is so
How Is a Bone Mineral Density Test Done?
The bone mineral density test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. The most common method is DEXA, which uses a minimal amount of ionising radiation, far less than a standard chest X-ray.
During the scan, you will lie comfortably on a padded table while a mechanical arm or scanner moves over your body to measure bone mineral density. The test typically focuses on bones most at risk of breaking due to osteoporosis, such as the lower spine, hip, and sometimes the forearm.
For a spine scan, your legs will be propped on a cushioned box to help straighten the lower back. For a hip scan, your feet will be placed in a Perspex immobiliser to keep the hip in the correct position for accurate results.
How to Understand Your Bone Mineral Density Results
Bone mineral density results may feel technical at first, but understanding the key numbers will help you make sense of what they mean for your bone health. The three main components of a bone mineral density test are the bone mineral density results (g/cm2), T-score, and Z-score.
The T-score is the key measure used to determine whether your bone mineral density falls within the range for osteopenia or osteoporosis, which entails a higher risk of fractures. The T-score shows how many standard deviations your bone mineral density differs from that of a healthy young adult of the same sex.
- Normal bone mineral density (T-score -1 and above): Your bones are within the range of a healthy young adult.
- Osteopenia (T-score between -1 and -2.5): You have a lower bone mass than a healthy young adult. Individuals with an osteopenia T score should consult a healthcare professional to have their fracture risk calculated with fracture risk assessment tools such as FRAX.
- Osteoporosis (T-score -2.5 and below): You have a significantly lower bone mass and a high risk of fractures and fragility fractures*
What is FRAX?
Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX) is an online fracture prediction tool that was developed to estimate an individual’s 10-year likelihood of having a fragility fracture*. The FRAX tool is used by the doctor to determine if an individual is at a high risk of fracture and requires antifracture medications.
Osteopenia is the medical term for having lower-than-normal bone mass. 50% of fragility fractures* occur in individuals with osteopenia, thus it is important to speak to a healthcare professional to understand what your BMD results mean and what your fracture risk is. If left untreated, osteopenia can cause fragility fractures, and bone mass will continue to decrease to reach significantly low levels (BMD in the osteoporosis range).
Individuals with significantly low bone mass (BMD in the osteoporosis range) have the highest risk of fragility fractures*. Their bones are thinner, fragile, and less dense than they should be. This makes them much weaker and more likely to break, even from minor slips or falls that would not usually cause injuries.
*Fragility fractures are fractures sustained from a standing height/minimal trauma
The Z-score compares your bone mineral density to that of an average person your age. Doctors typically use the Z-score to understand a person’s bone mass when they are younger (e.g. in children, premenopausal women, or young adults).
- Z-score close to 0: Your bone mineral density is about average for your age.
- A significantly positive or negative Z-score: This suggests that your bone mass may not be consistent with that of the average person your age. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may suggest more tests and investigations to look for underlying causes.
After your scan, Dr Linsey will review the results with you and discuss whether any preventive steps or treatments are needed.
Our Endocrinologist
Dr Linsey Gani
Consultant Endocrinologist
MBBS (Aust), B Med Sci, FRACP (Endocrine), FAMS (S’pore), MPH (Harvard), Clinical Assistant Professor (Duke-NUS Medical School)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia
Dr Gani is an experienced specialist in the field of bon health and osteoporosis. She is the Vice President of the Osteoporosis Society of Singapore, where she routinely conducts educational courses for the public and healthcare professionals. She also led the development of the osteoporosis liaison service in Changi General Hospital, which provides secondary fracture prevention in patients with fragility fractures.
Why Choose Us?
We go beyond standard health screenings by offering thorough bone mineral density evaluations and personalised follow-up care, helping you better understand your risk of osteoporosis and maintain long-term bone strength.
Your care is led by Dr Linsey Gani, an experienced endocrinologist who specialises in osteoporosis and bone health, with a strong background in clinical care, research, and medical education.
Our clinic is based at Novena Medical Centre in central Singapore, making it easily accessible via MRT, bus, or private transport.
FAQs About Bone Mineral Density Tests
Is a bone mineral density test painful?
No, a bone mineral density test is not painful. The scan is quick, safe, and non-invasive. You simply lie on your back while a low-dose X-ray machine measures the density of your bones. There are no needles or injections involved, and most individuals find the process comfortable and easy.
At what age should a woman get a bone mineral density test?
Women are generally advised to consider a bone mineral density test if they are over 50 years old, especially after menopause or if their ovaries have been removed. This is because as oestrogen levels decline, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases.
Are there any risks of a bone mineral density test?
A bone mineral density test is generally very safe. The procedure uses a very low dose of X-rays, so the radiation exposure is minimal and considered harmless. However, pregnant women are usually advised to avoid this test to protect the baby from radiation.
How often do I need a bone mineral density test?
Depending on an individual’s fracture risk, bone mass, and risk factors, the doctor may suggest a different duration of follow-up for a repeat BMD. Individuals with the highest risk of bone loss may require a closer duration of follow-up (e.g. 6 months to a year); those with lower risk of bone loss can have a longer duration of follow-up.
How often do I need to repeat my bone mineral density scan when I'm on osteoporosis treatments?
BMD is repeated to follow up on osteoporosis treatment responses. Depending on the type of medications that an individual is on, the BMD may be repeated in closer intervals (e.g. 6 months to 1 year) or longer intervals. Your doctor will discuss your condition with you to tailor your follow-up BMD according to your clinical needs.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general education. It does not replace personalised medical advice. Please consult your doctor for guidance on the medications that may be appropriate for you.
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Dr. Linsey Gani Endocrinology
10 Sinaran Drive, #10-08, Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506
+65 6397 7101
+65 9128 7480
Monday - Friday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
09:00-12:00
Closed
Monday - Friday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
09:00 - 12:00
Closed