The Bone Density Testing Clinic at UCSF Medical Center specializes in bone density testing in children. A bone density test is a non-surgical, painless examination that uses low dose X-rays to measure the density of bones.
Some children have medical conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, or take medications, such as chemotherapy or steroids, which may increase their risk for low bone density. Some conditions have a direct effect on bone, which are called primary bone disorders. Other conditions have an indirect effect on bone caused by inflammation, malabsorption, immobility, hormonal disturbances, or severe anemia. Low bone density may increase your child’s risk for fractures and lead to osteoporosis.
Our experts care for children with a wide range of conditions, including complex and rare disorders. Patients come from the Bay Area as well as from around the world. UCSF has a longstanding reputation for diagnostic accuracy and technological expertise, making us a global leader in the field.
You'll need a referral from your child's pediatrician or specialist to make an appointment. Once you have the referral, please call the number below.
Bone Density Testing
400 Parnassus Ave., Third Floor, Suite A 365
San Francisco, CA 94143-1667
Phone: (415) 353-2666
Last updated April 30, 2012
A bone density scan requires little preparation. Your child may eat normally and take medications as prescribed by your doctor the morning of their test.
The only restrictions are:
You will be able to accompany your child during their bone density test.
A bone density scan is a simple, non-invasive and painless exam to measure bone mass in areas such as the spine, hip, wrist, finger, kneecap, shin bone and heel. The standard test uses a low dose X-ray to detect signs of bone thinning and mineral loss. The scan measures the density of the spine and hip.
There are several machines that measure bone density. Central machines measure density in the hip, spine and total body. Peripheral machines measure density in the finger, wrist, kneecap, shin bone and heel. At UCSF, we offer screening with both central and peripheral machines, as well as ultrasound examinations of the heel to determine a person's risk for fractures.
A bone density scan, using a central machine, takes about 15 minutes, including registration. During the procedure, your child will lie on a table scanner for five to eight minutes. A technologist will sit next to your child throughout the procedure.
In addition to the standard scan, a CT bone density scan uses computed tomography to measure bone density. These scans provide detailed, 3-D images and can measure the effects of aging and diseases other than osteoporosis on your child's bones. For a CT test, your child will lie on a table that moves into a large tube-like area where images are taken. It typically takes about 10 minutes.
The results of your child's bone density scan will be available within three to five days. This information will enable your child's doctor to determine if they're at risk for fractures and require further evaluation. The lower a person's bone density, the higher their risk for fracture. Test results also help your child's doctor plan the best course of action for your child's bone health.
Public parking for an hourly fee at UCSF Medical Center is available in the seven-level Millberry Union Garage at 500 Parnassus Ave. There are two garage entrances — one on the north side of Parnassus Avenue and another on Irving Street, just east of Third Avenue. The garage is open 24 hours daily.
Another garage, at 350 Parnassus Ave., is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Metered street parking is rarely available.
Patients being admitted to the hospital may be dropped off at the circular driveway leading to the main entrance at 505 Parnassus Ave. This area also may be used to pick up patients who are being discharged.
For more information about parking at Parnassus, call Campus Parking Services at 476-2566.
Valet parking service is available at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) at 400 Parnassus Ave. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The valet service is free but patients must pay regular parking fees. For more information about the valet service, call (415) 476-6200.
A UCSF "greeter" also is available at the ACC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist patients find their way.
UCSF Medical Center is accessible via Muni streetcar line N-Judah*, which stops at Second Avenue and Irving Street, and the following Muni bus lines, which stop in front of the hospital:
Free UCSF shuttles travel between the Parnassus and Mount Zion campuses as well as other UCSF locations. For your convenience we have a Parnassus-Mount Zion Express Shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes.
The shuttle departs from Parnassus in front of the UCSF Kalmanovitz Library at 530 Parnassus Ave.
For more information about UCSF transportation, please call (415) 476-1511.
For more information about Muni visit, www.sfmuni.com.
* Wheelchair accessible bus routes
