DEXA Scan

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan is a type of medical imaging test. It uses very low levels of x-rays to measure how dense your bones are. DEXA stands for “dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.”

Medical experts consider DEXA scans to be the most useful, easy, and inexpensive test for helping to diagnose osteoporosis. The test is quick and painless.


What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a term used to describe brittle bones and also the risk for having a broken bone. As you age, your bones can lose thickness and strength. Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone.” DEXA tests help your healthcare provider track your bone density and risk for having a broken bone over time. Providers often use DEXA tests to help diagnose osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis results when you to lose bone faster than your body can create new bone tissue. This is most common in postmenopausal women. Over time, bones get weaker. Brittle bones break more easily.

Providers sometimes call osteoporosis a “silent” disease because it doesn’t hurt. Many people first realize they have osteoporosis after they break a bone from a minor fall.


How does a DEXA scan work?

DEXA scans measure the mineral content in certain bones, such as the hip, spine and/or wrist. It works this way:

  1. You will be asked to lie on a special DEXA x-ray table. The technologist will help position your correctly and use positioning devices such as foam blocks to help hold the desired position.
  2. As the arm of the DEXA machine passes over the body, IT uses two different x-ray beams. The beams use very little radiation to keep the test safer, and help to distinguish bone from other tissues.
  3. The scanner translates the bone density measurement data into pictures and graphs. Bone is most easily seen in white, while the, fat and muscle tissue look like shadows in the background on the technologist’s computer monitor.
  4. These results are then reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist or other physician trained in DEXA interpretation
  5. Your healthcare provider is sent a copy of the written report to discuss with you and consider what treatment is most appropriate.


Preparing for a DEXA Scan

Most people don’t need to change their daily routine before a DEXA scan. Eat, drink and take any medications as you normally would, unless your provider tells you otherwise. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that asks about your current health, your family history of broken bones, smoking history, and current medications.

Before your test, please do the following:

  • Stop taking calcium supplements 24 hours before your test: This includes multivitamins as well as antacids such as TUMS® (commonly used to treat heartburn).
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing with no metal: Wear comfortable clothes. Try to choose items that don’t have metal (zippers, buttons or buckles). Sweatpants and a casual top may be good choices.
  • Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant: DEXA scans use low levels of radiation. Medical experts recommend avoiding all radiation exposure during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus.

Highest Level of Patient Comfort

  • You will lie (usually on your back) on a movable bed.  The technologist will leave the room. They will give you directions via an intercom. The machine will take a series of pictures of the area of your body being studied.

After the Test

Once your scan is complete, your technician will show you back to the changing rooms and give you your locker key so you can dress again. You will need to wait for the technician to review your images. In some cases, more images will need to be taken. Otherwise, you are then welcome to leave.

Contact us at (949) 342-8522 for your DEXA Scan needs

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