Carpal Bone Mineral Density (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, Whole Blood)
This test measures the mineral content of your carpal bones, which are part of your wrist. It helps assess bone health and identify conditions like osteoporosis or other bone-related issues.
["This test helps evaluate bone density in your wrists, aiding in the detection of conditions that may affect bone strength over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26103-2
- Short code
- Deprecated Carpal bones-Bl XR
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Carpal bones-Bl XR
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like wrist pain, a history of fractures, or risk factors for bone thinning, such as aging, certain medications, or hormonal imbalances. It can also be part of routine screening for individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis.
What to Expect During the Test
The procedure involves a quick, painless X-ray scan of your wrist. You’ll lie down while a device passes over your wrist to measure bone density. The process takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require any special preparation.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is primarily used to monitor bone density changes in the carpal bones, which can be affected by conditions like osteoporosis, metabolic bone diseases, or long-term use of certain medications that weaken bones.
How Results Are Interpreted
Results are compared to a reference standard to determine if your carpal bone density is within normal limits, lower than normal (indicating potential bone loss), or higher than normal. Your healthcare provider will discuss these findings with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low carpal bone density may indicate an increased risk of fractures, especially in the wrist area, and can guide treatment decisions such as lifestyle changes, medications, or physical therapy to strengthen bones. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions like osteoporosis effectively.
Short name
Carpal Bone Density Scan
Frequently asked questions
What does a low carpal bone density result mean?
How often should I get this test if I have a history of osteoporosis?
Does this test use radiation?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy