Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is an imaging procedure used to measure the density of your bones. Bone densitometry testing is predominantly performed to assess the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density, which produces an increased risk of fracture.
DEXA uses x-rays to measure the amount of calcium and other bone minerals present in specific areas of the body. Tested most often are the spine and femur bones.
The scan is used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis early, so that management measures, such as lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, exercise recommendations, and prescription medications or supplements, can be employed to protect or enhance bone strength. DEXA is also used to assess the effectiveness of treatments employed to improve bone density.
DEXA bone density test results are usually presented in two ways: a T-score and a Z-score. The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy adult, whereas the Z-score compares your results to individuals of your same gender and age group. A Z-score is often used when measuring bone quality, whereas a T-score is generally more useful when assessing fracture risk.
Women 65 years and older, men 70 and older, and people with a previous fracture, family history of osteoporosis, long-term steroid use or rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or another medical condition, may be candidates for DEXA testing.
As with nearly all medical conditions, an early diagnosis can dramatically improve the success of preventive measures and any disease treatment.
What To Expect During a Dexa Bone Density Test
Preparing for a painless, 100% non-invasive DEXA scan is easy. You will be asked to stop taking calcium supplements and osteoporosis medication 24 hours before your exam.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that has no metal buttons, buckles or other metal attachments, and remove all metal jewelry, watches, etc., as metal may interfere with the imaging process.
When you arrive, a technologist will make note of your height and weight.
Next, you simply lie down on an exam table and remain still while the DEXA machine scans the targeted areas of your body. Your technologist will position your body according to the areas of interest.
The DEXA machine consists of two components – an x-ray tube that emits low-dose x-rays and a detector that measures how much of the x-rays pass through your bones. The more bone density you have, the less pass-through there is. DEXA’s radiation exposure is very low, significantly less than what you would experience with a standard x-ray.
The scan itself is quick and painless. The scan takes about 10-15 minutes. After the scan, you can resume your normal activities.
Interpreting a DEXA Scan
Your radiologist and clinician will study the images and compare your bone density with established norms or previous scans. Your clinician can provide recommendations based on your bone health and the scores provided from your bone density results.
RAO for DEXA Testing and Analysis
Local imaging leader RAO provides cutting-edge bone densitometry DEXA services at our Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center. We also offer DEXA bone density testing at our TimberRidge Imaging Center Heathbrook Pavilion location. Our team of Board-certified radiologists includes doctors who subspecialize in musculoskeletal radiology for outstanding accuracy and next-level care.
