Australian Bone Density Testing Centre (ABDTC) conducts onsite bone density testing clinics in pharmacy, and for workplace health and wellness programs Australia wide.

The aim is to help prevent fragility fractures due to osteoporosis. Bone density tests assess bone integrity and osteoporosis risk like cholesterol and blood pressure tests assess cardiovascular risks.

The test procedure Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) of the heel (calcaneus)

• Validated by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) for clinical use in assessing fracture risk due to osteoporosis (Krieg et al., 2008).
• QUS passes high frequency sound wave through the bone, speed and attenuation of the transmitted sound are directly related to the properties of the bone.
• The heel used as it is easy to access, has very little overlying soft tissue, and has a relatively uniform size and structure.
• Equally important, the heel is a highly trabecular, weight-bearing site, similar to the hip and spine.
• The ultrasound machine sits on the floor, the participant is seated and places their heel in the machine.

Test result provides an osteoporotic fracture risk assessment

• Written result indicating bone density in normal, low or very low range, and above or below average for age
• Printed information for bone health to minimise likelihood of fragility fractures and osteoporosis.
• Reinforcement of the importance of calcium, vitamin D, physical activity, and other nutrients.
• Recommendation to follow up with pharmacist, doctor or other health professional as required.

About Us

Australian Bone Density Testing Centre provides the highest quality professional Ultrasound Bone Testing Program to the Australian Community.

•  CEO Evelyn Holsman BSc (Applied Sciences) (Honours), pioneer of bone density clinics in pharmacy
• Medical Advisor Dr Max Holsman MBBS FRCOG FRANZCOG has a special interest in osteoporosis, memberships include National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD)
• Testers, trained by ABDTC, have nursing, nutrition, or other health professional background

Demographics recommended for test

• All men and women aged 50 plus
• Any one over age 20 who is concerned about the health of their bones
• In Australia 34% of people over age 20 have low bone density
• 66% of people aged over 50 have poor skeletal health
• Men account for 30% of all fractures that occur in people over 50

Cost 

• Ultrasound bone density test clinics are inexpensive
• GP’s do not offer this specialised technology in their rooms
• Other option is x-ray DXA bone density test at radiologists, usually costs at least $90
  No Medicare rebate for x-ray for patients under 70 (exceptions may apply for those with select other medical conditions that interfere with bone health)
• Tests only need to be repeated every 1-2 years