DEXA Scan (Bone Mineral Density Exam)
What is DEXA Scan?
DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) examinations estimate the amount of bone mineral content in specific areas of your body. Two X-Ray energies allow the Radiologist to tell the difference between bone and soft tissue, giving a very accurate estimation of bone density.
Often confused with a nuclear medicine bone scan, a bone mineral density measurement with DEXA is painless, and requires no injections, invasive procedures, sedation, special diet or any other advance preparation. During a DEXA exam, the patient lies fully clothed on a padded table while the system scans one or more areas of bone (usually the lower spine or hip).
While DEXA uses x-rays, the radiation dose is less than during a chest x-ray. Each patient's bone density is plotted against the "normal" for a healthy young adult or against age matched control data.
What should I expect?
You will be asked to lie very still on the scan table, while breathing normally as the scanner arm passes over the area of interest. An exam usually consists of a spine and a single hip scan. It takes about 20 minutes to perform the exam.
How do I prepare?
Unless otherwise instructed, eat normally on the day of the exam and avoid calcium supplements for two hours before your appointment. *Try to avoid wearing metal.
Download DEXA Scan Exam Prep
How do I get my results?
After your study is complete, our board certified radiologist will evaluate the image results and send a full report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
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