A Blog for Healthcare Consumers

DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorpitometry . DEXA scans (aka bone densitometry) are medical imaging tests that physicians use to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone mineral density. DEXA uses low dose ionizing radiation and computers to measure the strength of your bones and calculate a personalized risk for fracture. A DEXA scan can measure the bone mineral in the spine, hips, forearm or heel.

DEXA scans are ordered for people who:

• Fracture bones after minor trauma (fall)
• Have a thyroid or parathyroid condition
• Are on steroid therapy (long-term)
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Are type 1 diabetics
• Are post-menopausal women

What to do before your DEXA scan:

It helps to be prepared in advance of your appointment time. You will need to get a Radiology referral or prescription from your doctor. Check to make sure the facility you choose takes your insurance plan.  Get preparation instructions from the facility’s staff in advance. Do not take any calcium supplements 24 hours before your DEXA Scan test appointment. Our Radiology Search tool will help you find a Radiology center and learn more about your local imaging services (if you don’t find an imaging center in your area, please let us know).

What to expect during and after your DEXA Scan:

• The DEXA scan appointment may take up to 30 minutes. Plan accordingly.
• You will be asked to either lie down on a table for the scan or put your hand/foot into a small box. 
• You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. This will help in determining your fracture risk.
• A physician Radiologist will interpret the DEXA Scan. A report is sent to your doctor.
  

Have you had a DEXA Scan? Is there a center you’d recommend? Leave your comments below.