Bone density scans start at hospital

A new bone mineral densitometry scanner, offering osteoporosis testing, is now in use at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital

Claimed to be the first of its kind in the area, the scanner is operated by Central Coast Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and will allow local doctors to diagnose patients with, or at risk of, osteoporosis.

It is also used to monitor patients already being treated for the disease.

I-Med Network CEO Mr Mark Masterson said the radiology group was excited to be able to make this new technology available to people on the Peninsula.

"We have invested significantly in this scanner to address a clear need within the local community and believe it will make a big difference to our patients, particularly elderly folk who will no longer have to travel long distances for vital scans," he said.

Nuclear medicine physician Dr Sandeep Sharma said the advanced scanner will be crucial in helping identify and monitor the development of osteoporosis in local patients.

"Osteoporosis usually has no signs or symptoms until a fracture happens and that is why it is often called the silent disease.

"With this scanner, we are not only able to detect and track osteoporosis, we are able to tell patients the real age of their bones and give them an indication of their bone mass, letting them know if they are at risk of developing this debilitating disease," said Dr Sharma.

"The new scanner is also designed to ensure patient comfort, having an open, bed-like base which the patient lies on while a small scanning arm sweeps over the body.

"Each procedure is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes," he said.

Testing for patients, who are over 70 or have a number of risk factors associated with osteoporosis, will be bulk billed.

Media Release, 6 Dec 2010 Edwina Brook, Crossman Communications