DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) is an exam that estimates bone density in specific areas of the body using special x-ray technology.
Your doctor may ask that you have a DEXA scan in order to:
- Assess overall bone health
- Determine risk for bone fractures or osteoporosis
- Diagnose osteoporosis
Who needs a DEXA Scan?
DEXA examinations are performed most often on post-menopausal women; however, in some cases men and children will also undergo the exam.
What to Expect:
- You will be asked to lie very still on the padded 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
- During the exam you will be exposed to a very small dose of radiation, less than that of a chest x-ray
- DEXA exams are quick, simple and painless. Here are a couple of things you don’t have to worry about:
