Peripheral Scans

A peripheral scan is an x-ray that measures bone density only in the wrist, heel, or finger. This is a reliable screening tool for bone density. The bone density is measured by inserting the hand in the bone density unit. The machine measures peripheral bone density. This inexpensive test takes under two minutes to perform, and results are available within five minutes. People with abnormal tests may then be referred for more specific bone density measurement of specific areas such as the hip and back-- two common areas that can fracture due to osteoporosis.