BMD Machine

BMD MACHINE

A BMD machine also known as bone density machine is a special device which is used to measure the density or strength of bones. It is useful in checking if someone is suffering from osteoporosis, it is a condition where bones become weak and fragile and prone to fractures or break.

BMD test machine works by sending a low dose of X-ray through the body, mainly hip, spine or wrist area. These x-ray passes through bones and detected by sensors on the other side of the machine. Denser bones allow fewer X-ray to pass, but less dense or weaker bone allow more x-ray to pass.

After analysing the amount of x-ray passing, bone density test machinecalculates the bone density and compared it to standard value against that age, gender and ethnicity. It helps doctors to know if someone have osteoporosis or chances of developing it.

The Bone mineral density test machine is painless and takes only a few minutes to complete it. Generally, it is considered for old people or individual with risk factors for osteoporosis.

HOW BMD MACHINE WORKS:

• BMD machine uses a special type of x-ray to measure how dense or strong bones are. It works by passing low energy x-ray beam through your body and detect from other side by sensor.
• When the x-ray beams travel through bones, some x-ray blocked by the bone tissue. Bones which are denser or strong will absorb or block x-rays, while bones having less dense or weaker will allow more x-ray to pass.
• The sensor on the other side of the bone density machine will detect how much x-ray is absorbed and how much passed. By knowing this information, the machine will calculate the density of bones.
• BMD test machine generally focused on scanning specific areas of the body where weak bones are likely to occur first, such as the hip, spine or wrist.
• After scanning, bone density test machine compares bone density with standard values of people with same age and gender. It helps to know if bones are within a normal range, or it is low bone density, which could indicate osteoporosis or risk of fractures.

TYPES OF BMD MACHINE:

DXA (Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) machine- It is the most common and widely used bone mineral density test machine. It uses two different low-dose x-ray beams to scan the bones. DXA machine is used to measure bone density of spine, hip or sometimes whole body. They are very accurate.

QCT (Quantitative computed tomography) machines – These machines use a special CT scan to create 3D images of the bones. QCT measure bone density in the spine and hip. It is useful for people with spinal issue or who cannot lie flat for a DXA scan.

PDXA (/Peripheral dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine- It is portable bone density machine which scan bones of forearm and finger. This machine is less expensive and exposes less radiation than central DXA machines. These machines are not that much accurate to analyse osteoporosis.

QUS (Quantitative ultrasound) machine–These machines use high-frequency sound machine to estimate bone density of heel, shin or finger bones. QUS is radiation free, portable and inexpensive, but not accurate as DXA or QCT for diagnosing osteoporosis.

PQCT (peripheral quantitative computed tomography) machine–These are like small CT scanner which measure bone density in the forearm or leg. pQCT provides separate measurement for cortical (dense outer bone) and trabecular (inner spongy bones) bone density.

USES OF BMD MACHINE:

To diagnose osteoporosis- BMD test machines are commonly used to check If someone has osteoporosis. By measuring how dense and strong bones are, the doctor can determine if a person’s bone density is normal according to their age and gender.

To evaluate fracture risk- Low bone density can increase chances of fractures or broken bone, especially in the hip, spine and wrist. Bone density test machine helps the doctor to know whether there are chances of fracture in the future, so they can take steps accordingly to prevent it.

To monitor bone health over time - bone mineral density test machine is used to track changes in a person's bone density as they get older or receive treatment for osteoporosis. It helps doctors to watch if bone density is improving, stable, or getting worse.

To guide treatment decision – With the help of a BMD machine, doctor decide what type of medication or treatment a patient needs to strengthen their bones. For who already taking osteoporosis treatment, bone density machine shows if treatment is working efficiently.

To screen for osteoporosis risk –In some case, BMD test machine used as a screening tool to know who are at higher risk of osteoporosis, even before they start showing symptoms. This allows early intervention and prevention.

COMPONENTS OF BMD MACHINE:

Scanner Arm – This is the part of the machine which contain an x-ray or scanner. These scanners move slowly over the area which have to scan like hip and spine.

Padded Table – It is a flat-padded table, where patients lie during scan. It is designed to keep the body still and comfortable.

Display screen - bone density test machine has a computer display screen which shows the image of the bones being scanned.

Computer system - bone mineral density test machinehas a powerful computer system which control scanner arm, process the data from scan and calculates the bone density measurements.

X-ray generator – This component produces low energy x-ray beam that are used to scan the bones. X-ray pass through the body and are detected on the other side of the machine.

Detectors – These are special sensors that detect how much of the x-ray beam was absorbed or blockedby bones.

Radiation shield- It is a shield made of lead, it protects patient and other technician from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Positioning aids – It is a device like footrest or arm rest that help a patient to stay properly positioned during the scan.

COST OF BMD MACHINE:

BMD machine cost can vary depending on the type of machine.

• New standard central DXA BMD machine which is the common and most accurate type of measuring bone density in the hip and spine, BMD machine pricecan range around Rs. 50,00,000 to Rs. 1 Cr or more.
• Lower-end portable or peripheral BMD test machine pricethat can scan the wrist, heel or finger can be around Rs. 15,00,000 to Rs. 30,00,000.
• Approximate cost for a used bone density test machine priceis:

      -Used central DXA bone density machine cost- Around Rs. 25,00,000 to Rs. 50,00,000.

      -Used peripheral bone density machine cost– Around 7,00,000 to 15,00,000.

BRANDS:

Hologic

It is one of the leading brands ofBMD machine. It makes the horizon and discovery models, which are advanced DXA scanners used in the hospital.

GE Healthcare

This brand includes the lunar prodigy and idxa models. These use fan beam DXA technology to measure bone density accurately.

Osteosys

It is a South Korean company known for its portable pDXA scanners like Osteosys EXA-3000 that can scan the forearm, heel or finger.

Beam Med

BEAMMed offers compact MiniOmniand sunlight BMD machines that use ultra-low radiation to scan the peripherals like the wrist or heel.

Medilink

It is a French company that manufactures central DXA machines as well as portable ultrasound and x-ray-based BMD scanners.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. What is a BMD machine used for?

Ans. It is a machine used to measure density and strength of bones, to diagnose osteoporosis and evaluate the risk of fractures.

Q. How does a bone density machinework?

Ans. It uses low dose x-rays that pass through the body and detected on the other side. It measures how much x-ray beam is absorbed or blocked by the bones; accordingly, the machine can calculate the bone density.

Q. What are different types of BMD machines?

Ans. The main types are central DXA machines that scan the hip and spine, peripheral DXA machine that can scan wrist and heel and quantitive CT scanners.

Q. Is a BMD test painful or invasive?

Ans. No, a BMD test is completely painless and non-invasive. Just simple lie on a padded table during scanning.

Q. How much radiation exposure is involved?

Ans. BMD tests use a very low level of radiation, far less than a regular X-ray.

Q. How long does a BMD test take?

Ans. Actual scanning process typically takes only 5–10 minutes, entire time take around 30 minutes.