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DEXA Scan

A Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptionmetry, or DEXA, measures bone mineral density in the hip or spine. It is the preferred method for diagnosing osteoporosis, a disease that is more common in women, and causes bones to become fragile and more susceptible to breaking. It is recommended that women over the age of 65 or women over the age of 60 at risk for osteoporosis get a bone density test.

How to Prepare for your DEXA Scan

Before your DEXA Scan

Eat normally on the day of the exam, but do not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal. Otherwise, you may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

Inform your physician if you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or Nuclear Medicine radioisotope scan. You may have to wait 10 to 14 days before undergoing a DEXA test.

During your DEXA Scan

The DEXA test, which takes about 10 minutes, uses special X-rays to determine the bone density in your body. You lie on a padded platform while an imaging arm moves across your body without touching you. The DXA scanner computes a numerical reading of bone strength, called a T-score, which is used to compare your bone density with established guidelines. It is a safe and painless test. The radiation from a DEXA scan is about one-tenth the amount of radiation from a routine chest X-ray.

After your DEXA Scan

There are no after effects from the DEXA scan, and it is not necessary to follow special precautions after your exam. Your physician will receive a report of the DEXA findings, and will advise you of the results and discuss what further actions, if any, are needed. If you have low bone density, you may be advised to take calcium supplements or other medication. Your physician also may recommend that you participate in some kind of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, to strengthen your bones.