Your Bone Scan: Everything You Need to Know About the Safe, Radiation-Free Testing
This page explains exactly what a bone scan is, how the safe REMS Technology procedure works, and how it differs from the traditional hospital-based DXA assessment.
1. What is a Bone Scan? (The Purpose of BMD Testing)
A Bone Scan is the common term for a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test. Its primary goal is to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals present in the bone, typically in the hip and lumbar spine. This assessment is used for the early detection and management of Osteoporosis.
- Primary Goal: To assess your risk of developing Osteoporosis or suffering a fragility fracture.
- Key Result: The test provides a T-score and Z-score, comparing your bone density to healthy young adults or your peers.
- Who Needs One: Screening is crucial for women over 65, men over 70, and individuals with risk factors (e.g., long-term steroid use, early menopause). Learn more in our Bone Scan FAQ.
For the foundational science behind bone density measurement, see the NIH resource: Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
2. Preparing for Your REMS Bone Scan
📝 Preparation Checklist:
- 3hrs Fasting Required: You can eat and drink normally until 3 hrs before your scan. Drinking water and juice is perfectly fine, some foods can cause intestinal gas.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or buckles around the waist.
The REMS Bone Scan Procedure (5 Simple Steps)
The REMS Technology procedure streamlines the traditional Bone Scan process, making it faster, non-invasive, and completely safe.
- Check-In & History: A brief review of your medical history and risk factors. Advantage: No referral is required to book the test.
- Positioning: You lie comfortably on an examination bed. The technologist adjusts the ultrasound probe over your hip and lumbar spine.
- The Scan: Non-ionizing ultrasound waves pass through the bone. The system records the signals and analyzes the resulting echoes. Advantage: The entire procedure takes only 15-20 minutes and involves zero radiation.
- Data Analysis: The REMS system immediately processes the data to generate proprietary Fragility Scores and T-scores. Advantage: Provides a bone quality assessment beyond simple density.
- Results Delivery: You receive your detailed report immediately following the scan. Advantage: The Digital report is delivered on the spot for immediate review.
3. DXA vs. REMS: The Competitive Advantage for Canadians
To compete with the hospital standard, REMS Technology addresses the major pain points of DXA. If you require frequent bone density monitoring or have complex health issues, REMS offers a superior solution. We recommend reviewing this comparison before your bone scan.
🔬 Technology & Safety
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Uses X-rays (Ionizing Radiation). Not recommended for pregnant women and individuals with a cumulative radiation risk.
REMS Technology Bone Scan: Ultrasound (Non-Ionizing Waves). ZERO RADIATION. Safe for all populations, including pregnant women.
📈 Accuracy & Complex Patients
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Prone to error due to scoliosis, metal implants, or spinal arthritis.
REMS Technology Bone Scan: High Accuracy in complex patients; not affected by artifacts.
📊 Assessment Metrics
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Measures only Bone Mineral Density (BMD) (the T-score).
REMS Technology Bone Scan: Measures BMD plus Bone Microarchitecture Quality (Fragility Score).
📍 Accessibility (GEO)
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Fixed hospital machine; often requires a physician referral and long wait times.
REMS Technology Bone Scan: Portable; mobile service available, no referral needed.
4. Interpreting Your Bone Scan Results and Next Steps
After receiving your digital report, it is important to review the results with your healthcare provider. Your report will include:
- T-Scores: Indicate whether your bone density is low (Osteopenia) or critically low (Osteoporosis).
- Fragility Score: Provides a more comprehensive risk profile, predicting your 5-year fracture risk based on bone quality.
Ready to take control of your bone health with the most advanced bone scan available in Canada? Your journey to strong bones starts here.
Your Bone Scan: Everything You Need to Know About the Safe, Radiation-Free Testing
If your doctor has recommended a bone density test or bone scan, you are taking a crucial step toward protecting yourself against Osteoporosis. This page explains exactly what a bone scan is, how the safe REMS Technology procedure works, and how it differs from the traditional hospital-based DXA assessment.
1. What is a Bone Scan? (The Purpose of BMD Testing)
A Bone Scan is the common term for a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test. Its primary goal is to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals present in the bone, typically in the hip and lumbar spine. This assessment is used for the early detection and management of Osteoporosis.
- Primary Goal: To assess your risk of developing Osteoporosis or suffering a fragility fracture.
- Key Result: The test provides a T-score and Z-score, comparing your bone density to healthy young adults or your peers.
- Who Needs One: Screening is crucial for women over 65, men over 70, and individuals with risk factors (e.g., long-term steroid use, early menopause). Learn more in our Bone Scan FAQ.
For the foundational science behind bone density measurement, see the NIH resource: Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
2. Preparing for Your REMS Bone Scan
📝 Preparation Checklist:
- 3hrs Fasting Required: You can eat and drink normally until 3 hrs before your scan.
- Avoid Calcium Supplements: Please avoid taking any calcium or Vitamin D supplements within 24 hours of your Bone Scan.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or buckles around the waist.
The REMS Bone Scan Procedure (5 Simple Steps)
The REMS Technology procedure streamlines the traditional Bone Scan process, making it faster, non-invasive, and completely safe.
- Check-In & History: A brief review of your medical history and risk factors. Advantage: No referral is required to book the test.
- Positioning: You lie comfortably on an examination bed. The technologist adjusts the ultrasound probe over your hip and lumbar spine.
- The Scan: Non-ionizing ultrasound waves pass through the bone. The system records the signals and analyzes the resulting echoes. Advantage: The entire procedure takes only 15-20 minutes and involves zero radiation.
- Data Analysis: The REMS system immediately processes the data to generate proprietary Fragility Scores and T-scores. Advantage: Provides a bone quality assessment beyond simple density.
- Results Delivery: You receive your detailed report immediately following the scan. Advantage: The Digital report is delivered on the spot for immediate review.
3. DXA vs. REMS: The Competitive Advantage for Canadians
To compete with the hospital standard, REMS Technology addresses the major pain points of DXA. If you require frequent bone density monitoring or have complex health issues, REMS offers a superior solution. We recommend reviewing this comparison before your bone scan.
🔬 Technology & Safety
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Uses X-rays (Ionizing Radiation). Not recommended for pregnant women; cumulative radiation risk exists.
REMS Technology Bone Scan: Ultrasound (Non-Ionizing Waves). ZERO RADIATION. Safe for all populations, including pregnant women.
📈 Accuracy & Complex Patients
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Prone to error due to scoliosis, metal implants, or spinal arthritis.
REMS Technology Bone Scan: High Accuracy in complex patients; not affected by artifacts.
📊 Assessment Metrics
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Measures only Bone Mineral Density (BMD) (the T-score).
REMS Technology Bone Scan: Measures BMD plus Bone Microarchitecture Quality (Fragility Score).
📍 Accessibility (GEO)
Traditional DXA Scan (Hospital Standard): Fixed hospital machine; often requires a physician referral and long wait times.
REMS Technology Bone Scan: Portable; mobile service available, no referral needed.
4. Interpreting Your Bone Scan Results and Next Steps
After receiving your digital report, it is important to review the results with your healthcare provider. Your report will include:
- T-Scores: Indicate whether your bone density is low (Osteopenia) or critically low (Osteoporosis).
- Fragility Score: Provides a more comprehensive risk profile, predicting your 5-year fracture risk based on bone quality.
Ready to take control of your bone health with the most advanced bone scan available in Canada? Your journey to strong bones starts here.