The Bone Density and Body Composition Laboratory at the Osteoporosis Clinic is part of the Centre of Excellence in Skeletal Health Assessment, a group of bone diagnostic centres in partnership with the University of Toronto Joint Department of Medical Imaging.

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Our lab is equipped with a DXA machine (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), used for diagnosing osteoporosis. DXA uses a very low dose of x-ray – one scan uses about the same amount of radiation as you'd get from two hours of direct sunlight. In comparison, a standard chest x-ray would use about 10 to 20 times more radiation than what you'll be exposed to from a DXA bone density scan.

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A bone density scan measures the mineral content of your bones – the greater the amount of minerals present, the higher the bone density. BMD measurements help your doctor determine whether your bones are healthy and normal or if they're weak and prone to fracture.