What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a process in which you lose bone tissue and your bones weaken, increasing your risk of a bone fracture. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, and one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Because losing bone tissue is not painful, there are no symptoms for patients unless a fracture occurs.

What is a bone mineral density test?
Bone mineral density tests, or bone mass measurements, are tests for diagnosing osteoporosis. It is generally recommended that patients over 50 are tested every two years. A timely osteoporosis diagnosis can help you get treatment and/or take other steps to reduce your risk of fracture.

What is VirtuOst?
The VirtuOst BCT test non-invasively measures how strong and how dense your bones are. VirtuOst BCT performs a virtual stress test of your hip and/or spine to determine their breaking strengths, and measures the bone mineral density. VirtuOst BCT needs a recent CT/CAT scan of your bones to analyze. MRI, X-Ray or ultrasound scans are not suitable for VirtuOst.

Should I get tested?
This test may be appropriate for you if you are any of the following. Please speak with your primary care physician about if this test is right for you.

• An estrogen deficient woman (post-menopausal) who is at risk for osteoporosis based on her medical history and other findings.
• An individual with vertebral abnormalities, as demonstrated by an X-Ray to be indicative of osteoporosis, low bone mass, or vertebral fracture.
• An individual receiving (or expecting to receive) glucocorticoid therapy equivalent to an average of ≥ 5.0 mg of prednisone/day for ≥ 3 months.
• An individual with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism.

How can I get tested?
A physician order and image data from a recent CT are both needed to provide VirtuOst. Please speak with your primary care physician about if this test is right for you. Find more information at Order VirtuOst.