Healthy bone looks like a honeycomb under a microscope, but as bone begins to lose density the holes and spaces in the honeycomb become larger. This can weaken the bone and cause it to break more easily.
During your lifetime, your body is constantly breaking down old bone (through a process called resorption) and building up new bone. Bone loss occurs when old bone is broken down faster than new bone is made and can lead to low bone density.
The older you are, the more likely you are to have low bone density, sometimes called osteopenia. It may also increase your chance of getting osteoporosis – a disease which causes bones to lose density and can lead to fractures, pain, and deformities.
Women and men begin to lose bone in their mid-30s. However, women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. This is because women generally have smaller, thinner bones than men. Plus, women lose bone tissue rapidly in the first four to eight years after menopause because of the sharp decline in estrogen.
Other risk factors for bone loss include having a diet low in calcium, an inactive lifestyle, smoking, certain diseases associated with malabsorption issues and hyperparathyroidism, and taking certain medications like glucocorticosteroids.
The most accurate way to determine the density of the bones is to have a bone mineral densitometry (BMD) exam, also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan. This exam sends a low-dose X-ray beam through the spine, hip, or forearm. Special computer software can subtract the soft tissue information and display the bone density measurements (in grams per centimetres squared, the bone mineral content divided by the area). Generally, the higher the mineral content, the denser the bone is, and the denser the bones are, the less likely they are to fracture.
During your BMD exam, you will need to avoid wearing clothes with buttons, metal buckles, and zippers near your spine and hip as they may interfere with the X-ray. You will be weighed and measured, then positioned on the table by the technologist. You will be asked to hold very still while the scanner moves over the area being examined. You may be scanned more than once.
Measurements must be very precise. A first (baseline) BMD exam is often taken at around age 50 and then subsequent exams may be recommended every two years. Since measurements can vary between machines, repeat tests must be taken on the same machine, or a new baseline will be needed.
Low bone density and osteoporosis rarely have symptoms, which mean you may not discover you have one of them until you sustain a painful fracture. This is why early detection is important, as well as being aware of risk factors.
According to Osteoporosis Canada, one in three women and one in five men will sustain an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime, and 80 per cent of all fractures in people 50 years of age or older are caused by osteoporosis.
The effects of low bone density can be mitigated with a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, a healthy lifestyle without smoking or excessive alcohol intake, and physical activity that includes weight-bearing exercises. Medication may also be prescribed to improve bone health.
Regular bone density testing is also recommended to monitor bone loss. A BMD exam is not usually required until you are 50 years of age or older, unless you fall into a high-risk category. To determine if bone density testing is right for you, you will need to discuss your risk factors and family history with a health care practitioner.
For more information about bone mineral densitometry, please visit our services page.
REFERENCES
Canadian Cancer Society (2022) “Bone density scan.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed October 18, 2022.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2018) “What is Bone?” www.bones.nih.gov. Accessed October 18, 2022.
National Osteoporosis Foundation (2022) “What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It?” www.nof.org. Accessed October 18, 2022.
Osteoporosis Canada (2022) “What is osteoporosis?” www.osteoporosis.ca. Accessed October 18, 2022.
Osteoporosis Canada (2022) “Diagnosis.” www.osteoporosis.ca. Accessed October 18, 2022.
Radiological Society of North America (2022) “Bone Densitometry (DEXA or DXA).” www.radiologyinfo.org. Accessed October 18, 2022.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
