Bone density testing

Bone Density Testing in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Bone density testing is a simple medical test used to measure how strong your bones are. It helps detect:

Osteoporosis – when bones become thin, weak, and more likely to break
Osteopenia – a milder form of bone loss

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, bone density tests are commonly offered through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health. Your primary care provider, rheumatologist, or endocrinologist can refer you for testing.

Because West Michigan winters are long, icy, and cold, falls and fractures are a real concern—especially for older adults. Early bone density testing can help reduce the risk of serious fractures from slips on ice or snow.

What Is Bone Density Testing?

Bone density testing (also called bone mass measurement or a DEXA scan) measures how much mineral (like calcium) is in your bones. This helps your doctor understand your risk for fractures and determine if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Most bone density tests are:

Quick – often 10–30 minutes
Painless – no needles or injections
Non-invasive – you simply lie on a table while the machine scans you

Who Should Consider Bone Density Testing in Grand Rapids?

Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may recommend a bone density test if you:

Have had a previous fracture, especially from a minor fall
Are a woman age 65 or older or a man age 70 or older
Are postmenopausal and concerned about osteoporosis
Have been told you have osteopenia (low bone density)
Have a vertebral (spinal) deformity or height loss
Take medications that can weaken bones (for example, long-term steroids)
Have certain medical conditions, including:
- Endocrine (hormonal) disorders
- Chronic liver disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic kidney (renal) failure
Have a strong family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
Are underweight or have had long periods of inactivity

Residents of Grand Rapids and Kent County may also be at risk if they get limited sun exposure in winter, which can affect vitamin D levels and bone health. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors.

Local Bone Density Testing Options in Grand Rapids

Bone density tests are commonly available at:

Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) outpatient imaging centers
Trinity Health Grand Rapids imaging departments
University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health) clinics
Mercy Health and affiliated specialty clinics
Independent imaging centers and some rheumatology or endocrinology offices

You can also contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on osteoporosis education, fall-prevention resources, and community screening events.

Preparing for a Bone Density Test

Before your test, your Grand Rapids provider will review:

Your medical history
Your risk factors for bone disease
Any medications or supplements you take (especially calcium, vitamin D, or osteoporosis medicines)
Whether you might be pregnant (pregnant women should not have standard DEXA scans)

Typical preparation includes:

Clothing: You may be asked to change into a hospital gown at the imaging center.
Jewelry and metal: Remove all jewelry, belts, or clothing with zippers, snaps, or metal buttons, as these can affect the images.
Supplements: You may be asked to avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test. Follow the specific instructions from your Grand Rapids imaging facility.

Types of Bone Density Tests

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)

DEXA is the most common and accurate bone density test used in Grand Rapids.

Uses two low-dose x-ray beams to separate bone from soft tissue
Measures bone density in:
- Spine
- Hip
- Forearm
- Sometimes the total body
Fast, highly accurate, and considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis

Most large hospital systems in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, use DEXA for routine bone density testing.

Single-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (SXA)

SXA uses a single x-ray beam to measure bone density at peripheral sites, such as:

Forearm
Heel

The area being tested may be:

Wrapped in a tissue-like material, or
Immersed in water

This improves the quality of the measurement. SXA is less commonly used than DEXA but may be available at some clinics.

Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS)

Quantitative ultrasound is a newer, radiation-free method that:

Evaluates bone (usually at the heel)
Takes just a few minutes
Provides an automatic print-out of results

QUS can estimate bone density and structural integrity, but it does not replace DEXA for a formal diagnosis of osteoporosis. It is sometimes used as a screening tool at community health events or smaller clinics in West Michigan.

What to Expect During the Test

Most bone density scans in Grand Rapids follow a similar process:

You arrive at the imaging center and check in.
You change into a gown if needed and remove all jewelry and metal objects.
You lie on a padded table while the scanner passes over the part of your body being tested (usually spine and hip).
You need to lie still but there is no pain.
The test usually takes about 15–30 minutes.

After the test:

You can go home or back to work right away.
There are no activity restrictions.
Your results will be sent to your doctor, who will review them with you at a follow-up visit or by phone/portal.

Understanding Your Bone Density Results

Bone density measurements are reported:

As a value in g/cm² (grams per square centimeter)
As T-scores and Z-scores, which compare your bones to a reference group

T-Score

The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex.

Normal: T-score of -1.0 or higher
Osteopenia (low bone mass): T-score between -1.0 and -2.5
Osteoporosis: T-score of -2.5 or lower

A T-score of -2.5 or less is used to diagnose osteoporosis.

Z-Score

The Z-score compares your bone density to people of the same age and sex.

A low Z-score may suggest that something other than aging is contributing to bone loss (such as a medical condition or medication).
This helps your Grand Rapids provider decide if further testing is needed.

Your doctor will explain what your scores mean for your fracture risk and whether you need treatment, lifestyle changes, or follow-up testing.

Safety and Radiation Exposure

Bone density testing is considered very safe:

The radiation dose from a DEXA scan is low—roughly equal to what you receive from natural background radiation in about one day in Michigan.
The procedure is painless and has no after-effects.
You can resume normal activities immediately after the test.

If you are or might be pregnant, tell your provider before scheduling a bone density test.

Long-Term Management and Repeat Testing

If you are diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, your Grand Rapids provider may:

Prescribe medications to strengthen bones
Recommend vitamin D and calcium supplementation
Suggest weight-bearing and balance exercises (for example, programs available through local YMCAs or senior centers)
Advise on fall-prevention strategies, especially during icy West Michigan winters

You may need repeat bone density tests every 1–3 years to:

Monitor your bone health
See how well your treatment is working

For accurate comparisons over time:

Try to have all future tests at the same facility
Use the same machine whenever possible
This reduces differences that can occur between different testing locations or devices

Why Standard X-Rays Are Not Enough

Standard x-rays can only detect osteoporosis after about one-third of the bone mass is already lost. This means:

X-rays are not sensitive enough to detect early bone loss.
However, your doctor may still order x-rays to:
- Check for fractures
- Rule out other bone conditions
- Investigate back pain or height loss

Bone density testing with DEXA is the preferred method for early diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis.

Taking Care of Your Bones in Grand Rapids

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region brings some unique bone health considerations:

Long winters and icy sidewalks increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Reduced sunlight in winter can affect vitamin D levels, which are important for bone strength.
Indoor, weight-bearing activities—like walking at local malls, community centers, or fitness facilities—can help maintain bone density year-round.

Talk to your provider about:

Safe exercise options
Vitamin D and calcium intake
Home safety and fall-prevention strategies

Local organizations, including the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health, may offer education on fall prevention, nutrition, and chronic disease management that supports bone health.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions about bone density testing or osteoporosis, you can:

Contact your primary care provider
Speak with a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or orthopedic specialist
Schedule imaging through:
- Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) imaging centers
- Trinity Health Grand Rapids
- University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
- Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
Reach out to local public health resources for education and support

If you’ve had a fracture, are postmenopausal, or are concerned about your risk for osteoporosis, ask your Grand Rapids healthcare provider whether a bone density test (DEXA scan) is right for you. Early testing can help protect your bones and reduce your risk of serious fractures—especially during our challenging Michigan winters.