A probe device is for performing a bone density measurement is disclosed. The device comprises at least one ultrasound source for providing ultrasonic pulses a plurality of ultrasound detectors for measuring the differences in arrival times of said ultrasonic pulses at least one dedicated data processing element adapted for determining differences in arrival times of ultrasonic pulses means for transferring data from said at least one measurement transducer to said at least one dedicated data processing element and communication means adapted to transmit data from said dedicated data processing element to a non-dedicated computing means. Unlike systems known in the art, the measurements of the times of arrival of the ultrasonic pulses are performed within the probe itself, obviating the need for a dedicated computer system or measurement card.
