DEXA test and Osteomark-NTX - Techniques to measure bone density
There are several techniques to measure bone density. The one that I recommend is known as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In addition to providing the most reliable measurement of bone density, the DEXA test also exposes a person to considerably less radiation than other X-ray procedures for measuring bone density. In the DEXA exam, the measurements will usually tie of both the hip and the lumbar spine. I recommend that women of high risk get a baseline bone-density measurement and then monitor the rate of bone loss using a urine test known as the Osteomark-NTX.
In other words, the DEXA test can be used to measure bone density, while the Osteomark-NTX can be used to measure the rate of bone loss. The Osteomark-NTX measures the urine levels of a compound linked to bone breakdown (cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen). The Osteomark-NTX can be used to monitor the rate of bone loss and the success (or failure) of therapy. The Osteomark-NTX provides faster feedback than DEXA, which can take up to two years to detect a therapeutic response.
