BioStrong offers a bone density test using modern technology created by EchoLight called EchoS. The EchoS provides a bone density exam utilizing proprietary R.E.M.S. (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) technology. R.E.M.S. provides a non-invasive and radiation-free approach to determining bone density.
The EchoS bone densitometry exam gives a precise bone density measurement. With it, you will know if you have healthy bone density, low bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis. This scan also gives you information on how fragile your bones are. It also determines your risk for fracture. While bone density has a direct correlation with risk of fracture, fragility scores can be high or low regardless of bone density. Information about your fragility cannot be gathered through a DEXA scan.
✓ Significantly increased levels of accuracy
✓ Sensitivity to bone mass changes
✓ Diagnostic reproducibility over DXA systems
No doctor referral required.
Non-Member Cost: $139.99 + GST
BioStrong Member Cost: $129.99 + GST
The EchoS generates a report that includes your BMD (Bone Mineral Density), T-score (the difference between your bone mineral density and 0) and Z-score (how far your score is from average). The system also automatically assesses the quality of bone microarchitecture and provides a five-year probability of a major osteoporosis fracture. This, combined with the absence of the ionizing radiation common in DEXA scans, means that you can receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis quicker, easier and earlier, and ensures accurate monitoring after your diagnosis.
The EchoS can also provide comprehensive, accurate information on your body composition including BMI (Body Mass Index), body fat percentage and caloric burn rate.
The Echolight REMS system correlation with DXA was validated at a multicenter clinical trial, peer reviewed and published in BONE.
Due to the variability in quality of DXA exams, the only way the study could be completed was by doing the DXA exams in a highly controlled research environment to ensure their accuracy. The Echolight REMS FDA approval letter states,
“The Echolight REMS device has a precision comparable to that of X-ray absorptiometry, which makes it suitable for monitoring bone changes in women.” Among the many users of the Echolight device is Dr. Cyrus Cooper, President of the International Osteoporosis Foundation."
The DXA or DEXA scan is the most commonly used and primary current diagnostic method to determine bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck. BMD measurement is via dual-energy- x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using radiation. Before, DXA scans were considered the “gold standard”. This is because of their ability to scan the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck areas.
Unfortunately, DXA scans can be expensive if paid for privately. Also, doctors are unlikely to prescribe a DXA exam for people under the age of 55 unless there are underlying conditions. This makes prevention and early diagnosis of osteoporosis difficult.
While DXA scans can see measurement errors in the hip and spine of 5 to 10%, outcomes can be influenced by patient positioning, data analysis errors, calibration issues or operator errors. Positioning errors alone occur in approximately 80% of spinal acquisitions and 90% of femoral bone density scans. Data analysis errors affect the BMD exam outcome by 64% in the lumbar and 80% in the spine.
Solves the majority of these issues with greater precision
Is radiation-free while being more sensitive to bone mass changes
Assesses bone micro-architecture and not just bone density
Eliminates variability in outcomes using automation
