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A bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) your bones are. You may also hear it called a DEXA scan. Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess your risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
- How It is Performed
A bone density scan compares your bone density with the bone...
- Osteoporosis
Overview Osteoporosis. Causes. Treatment. Living with....
- When It is Used
Bone density scans, also known as DEXA scans, help to work...
- How It is Performed
A DEXA scan, also known as a DXA or bone density scan, uses very low levels of X-ray radiation to produce images of your bones. It detects how much radiation is absorbed by your bones, which shows how dense they are.
- A DEXA scan measures the density of your bones to show how strong they are. It’s a test that doctors use to help diagnose osteoporosis. For more in...
- There isn’t anything you need to do to prepare for a DEXA scan. You’ll have the scan and go home the same day. You may be able to stay fully dresse...
- Your doctor will usually recommend you have a DEXA scan as part of an assessment for osteoporosis at age 65 and older (for women) and 75 and over (...
- The scan is safe, quick and painless and usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes. You’ll lie on your back on a padded table during the scan. An X-r...
- You may be able to keep your bra on but if it’s underwired you may need to take it off. Metal items can show up on the scan so you may need to remo...
- There isn’t anything you should avoid before a DEXA scan. Your hospital will check if you’ve had any other scans recently that may affect the resul...
- How Does A DXA Scan Work?
- What to Expect at Your Scan
- Understanding Your DXA Scan Results
- After Your Scan
In most cases, a bone density scan uses a type of X-ray called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. This is shortened to DXA (or occasionally DEXA). The scan uses a low radiation dose, so it's not harmful. It's similar to natural background radiation that you would expect on a transatlantic flight.
A DXA scan is usually carried out by a radiographer, a DXA technician or a specially trained nurse. You may have to change into a hospital gown before your scan. Rest assured the procedure isn’t unpleasant. You don’t go into a tunnel, or need an injection. In most cases, you're asked to lie on your back, on a firm couch. A scanning arm passes over ...
The results of your DXA scan tell your doctor how much bone tissue you have in the areas tested. This is also known as your bone density.
If your T-score is in the osteoporosis range, or you have other risk factors for osteoporosis, such as: 1. you’ve broken a bone easily 2. you're taking a medication or have a medical conditionthat is known to affect bone strength 3. you have a combination of a number of other risk factors for osteoporosis - it's likely you also need a fracture risk...
Mar 19, 2023 · How does a DEXA scan work? A DEXA scan uses low-energy X-rays. A machine sends X-rays from two different sources through the bone being tested. Bone blocks a certain amount of the X-rays. The more dense the bone is, the less X-rays get through to the detector.
A bone density scan compares your bone density with the bone density expected for a young healthy adult or a healthy adult of your own age, gender and ethnicity. The difference is calculated as a standard deviation (SD) score.
A bone density scan checks the density of your bones. If your bone density is low, you have a higher risk of a bone fracture. It may also be called a bone mineral density scan (BMD scan) or a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, DXA or DEXA scan.
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Oct 3, 2018 · Overview Osteoporosis. Causes. Treatment. Living with. Prevention. Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).
