FAQs
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How does the machine work?
It generates ultrasound waves which pass through the heel and are measured when they emerge. The results help identify patients at risk of developing Osteoporosis and aid in assessing the risk of future fractures. This method is safe, radiation-free and cost effective.
Why scan the heel?
In less than a minute, you can estimate a patient's bone mineral density based on an ultrasound measurement of the calcaneus (heel bone). This is the preferred peripheral site proven in numerous studies to predict fracture risk (hip/hip bone). We are so confident of our results that if we refer you to a hospital for a Dexa x-ray and it proves unnecessary, we will pay for the x-ray.
Are your results accurate?
Yes. In fact, if we refer you for a more comprehensive scan on a hospital’s Dexa x-ray machine, and it proves unnecessary, we will cover the cost of that x-ray. We have followed up referrals and know that our results closely match those from a Dexa machine. Our machine is produced by a company called Hologic, the same company that makes the Dexa machines used in hospitals throughout New Zealand. Our machine is a cost effective way of screening people while the Dexa x-ray machine is a diagnostic tool to check hip joints and the vertebrae.
What happens if my bones are bad?
The good news is that there are many ways to improve your bone condition once you know that you are at risk. YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR BONES. Diet, exercise, and changing your eating and drinking habits can dramatically improve your bone condition regardless of age. However, a high percentage of at-risk people require medical help to improve their bone condition. One of our first clients, aged 47 at the time, had to start medication because of her poor bone density. Four years later her condition has improved enough that she no longer needs the medication.
What do doctors think about our service?
Some doctors refer people to us for tests while others discard what we say. When this happens, however, we are so convinced our results are accurate that we have paid for some customers to have a Dexa x-ray at the hospital and the results have confirmed our findings.
What qualifications do you have to provide this service?
The Sahara sonometer is a very sophisticated instrument that provides an accurate assessment of bone condition without the need for human interpretation of results. However, we have been trained by the company and we have sought professional help in providing the expertise on calcium uptake. We consider our service to be of the highest standard globally and our results are proving this to be the case.
Also refer to: The Team
How much calcium should I have in my diet?
We recommend between 1000 and 1200 milligrams per day (depending on age). The problem is that in many cases calcium uptake may be low and bone condition may still be bad even though diet is good. It is best to have a bone density check to know for sure that calcium is reaching your bones. We find that 95% of our customers do not have enough calcium in their diet. We have also found a percentage of people who do have enough calcium still have low bone densities. There are a number of other factors that cause this and we can provide advice accordingly.
How often should the test be done?
If the bones are in poor condition another check after six months is merited. The reason is that the heel bone, which is living tissue, regenerates completely over this period. Should our dietary advice and recommended changes be followed there should be an improvement after this time. If there has been no improvement we may refer the customer for medical advice.
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