A Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry is more commonly referred to as a DEXA scan. DEXA imaging uses two x-ray beams, one is high energy and one is low energy. As the beams pass through the bone, the imaging sequence measures bone density, the thickness and strength of the bone. DEXA scans assess the propensity for osteopenia (bone weakness), osteoporosis (bone loss) and fractures (bone breaks). The most common DEXA bone density scans involve assessment of the spine, hip, and forearm.
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A healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan based on risk factors for osteopenia, osteoporosis or fractures including:
Increased age: Many individuals lose bone mass as they age, including women who are post-menopausal or over the age of 65 and men over the age of 70.
Family history: If one or more family members had osteoporosis, the individual may have a greater risk for bone loss.
Previous fracture injuries: Breaking a bone, especially after age 50, may indicate a greater risk for bone loss. Individuals who have had more than one fracture may have diminished bone strength.
Medications: Some medications can weaken bones. Medications that may diminish bone density include steroids, cancer drugs, and organ transplant immunosuppressants.
Overall health: Many chronic medical disorders can weaken bones and make them more susceptible to breaks. Some of the conditions that can diminish bone density include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease.
Patients are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled scan to allow time to register and prepare for the scan.
Patients will remove their shoes, and the imaging technologist will record the patient’s height and weight before the scan.
The measurements will be recorded into the system to ensure accurate metrics are input for the comprehensive assessment.
Patients will have the opportunity to change into a gown or scrubs if their clothing contains any metallic materials.
During a DEXA scan, the patient lies on top of an imaging table, and the scanner passes over the patient’s body. Unlike MRIs and CT scans, patients do not need to lie inside of an enclosed tunnel or ring.
The scan is simple, quick, and noninvasive. The DEXA scan will last 10-30 minutes, depending upon the type of exam that is being completed.
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DEXA imaging is used to provide body composition assessments. A body composition scan provides an accurate baseline assessment for weight management. With a DEXA assessment, patients receive a comprehensive report that details measurements for lean muscle mass, visceral body fat, bone density and body symmetry. As patients make lifestyle adaptations with nutrition and exercise, follow up DEXA screenings can monitor muscle growth and body fat reductions to provide metric-based progress assessments during weight loss.
Women who are pregnant.
Anyone who underwent a radiologic exam in the previous seven days using barium or a contrast injection.
Patients should refrain from taking calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to a DEXA scan.
Patients are asked to wear comfortable clothes that do not contain any metal embellishments.
A DEXA scan uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images of the bones and measure bone density. The radiation dose is 0.001mSv which is equivalent to three hours of naturally existing background radiation. The radiation exposure is less than what you would receive during a one-hour flight.
A board-certified radiologist will read the images and provide a written diagnostic assessment of their findings for the referring physician within 24-48 hours of the DEXA scan. A copy of the radiologist’s report will also be made available to patients via the patient portal. The referring physician will review the results with the patient and will discuss the next steps for care.
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Innovative Radiology is dedicated to furthering access to precise imaging and accurate diagnostic assessments to ensure that patients have a clear road map to optimally navigate their health journey.
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