The Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer
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A heel (calcaneal) ultrasound is an excellent screening method. It is inexpensive, portable, does not use radiation and accurately measures bone mass and quality.
Studies show the Sahara Sonometer used by Bone Health Checks Ltd predicts hip bone fracture and other non-vertebral fractures nearly as well as the DEXA bone X-ray machines used in hospitals.
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Both the Sahara and DEXA bone scan machines are produced by the same company (Hologic).
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The Sahara has had remarkable diagnostic success. More than 90% of customers referred to a GP require ongoing treatment.
Osteoporosis can affect localised areas of bone in different parts of the skeleton, so the Sahara may not diagnose the disease in some instances. However, detailed laboratory testing has shown that fewer than 5% of those tested as being at low risk actually had osteoporosis.
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At hospitals in the Wellington Region a DEXA scan will cost $125-$185 and you may be wait-listed. Bone Health Checks Ltd charges $45 for a bone density scan.
MORE INFORMATION
General information about the Sahara can be found on the United States FDA website. Details about the machine and its USFDA approval are available in this 46-page PDF document.
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