If a patient has the potential for osteoporosis, the doctor will usually recommend a bone density test. If a dual-energy x-ray bone densitometry exam is used, a lumbar spine and hip exam will be required, and depending on the patient’s specific situation, a distal forearm and whole-body bone density plus body mass analysis may be done, costing between$400 and$800. If an ultrasound bone density test is used, the examination site is usually the heel, wrist, middle finger, etc., and the cost is around$600. The cost of bone densitometry varies from region to region, depending on the price standards set by the local government department. Bone density screening is usually appropriate for postmenopausal women, but also for some men with the following risk factors for osteoporosis, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, high salt diet, and family history of fractures caused by osteoporosis. All of these patients need to have a bone density test to further clarify the diagnosis and thus anti-osteoporosis treatment.