[header] How to understand bone density score [title] Understand the differences between peripheral and centralized bone scans. [step] Besides cost and ease of screening, these tests also vary in accuracy. Some physicians will start with the peripheral test and only conduct the centralized test if the first screen indicates poor bone density. 
[substeps] Peripheral machines are small and portable, and they check bone density on the periphery of your skeleton, such as finger bones or the heel. They are much cheaper but not always a good indicator of bone health in bones that are the most likely to break.