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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
Osteoporosis can be treated with bone strengthening...
- 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...
- What Is A Dexa scan?
- How Does A Dexa Scan Work?
- How Is A Dexa Scan done?
- Who Should Have A Dexa scan?
DEXA stands for 'dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry'. DEXA (also sometimes known as DXA) is a test that measures the density of bones. Density means how much of something there is in a certain amount of space. The denser the tissue, the less X-rays pass through. Air and water are less dense than solid things such as bone. This is because the particle...
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. By using two different X-ray sources rather than one it greatly improves the accuracy in measuring the bone density....
You lie on your back on a couch and are asked to keep still while an X-ray detector (the 'scanner') comes over the area to be tested. An X-ray machine fires X-rays towards the detector. The bones commonly scanned are the bones of the back (the vertebrae), hip and wrist. Smaller peripheral scanners are available in some places and can be used to che...
A DEXA scan may be advised if you have had a fracture of a bone after a minor injury. It may also be advised if you are considered at increased risk of 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis) and therefore at increased risk of having a fracture in future. If your doctor thinks you have risk factors for osteoporosis, they may use a risk calculator su...
Nov 2, 2022 · Decreased bone density and strength can lead to weakened bones that easily break. A bone density test helps screen, diagnose, and monitor the effects of conditions that put people at higher risk for fractures, including osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Understanding your DXA scan results. The results of your DXA scan tell your doctor how much bone tissue you have in the areas tested.
Diagnostic tests. Bone density scan (DXA scan) A bone density scan (DXA) scan can be used to check the density of your bones. If your bone density is low, you have a higher risk of a bone fracture. On this page. What is a bone density scan? Who has a bone density scan? How the scan is done. What does a bone density (DXA) scan show?
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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.
