Mitchell County Regional Health Center Services
Radiology
DEXA
- What is a Bone Density Scan (DEXA)?
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- It is also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
- DEXA is used to measure bone loss.
- DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine, hips, and wrists.
- What are some common uses of the procedure?
- It is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis.
- DEXA is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss.
- It can assess an individual’s risk for developing fractures.
- How is the procedure performed?
- You will be asked to not take your calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.
- You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts, or buttons made of metal.
- You will be asked to lie on a large, flat table and an under an “arm” suspended overhead. The arm swings away so it is not over you all the time.
- To assess the hip and spine the patient’s foot is placed in a brace that rotates the hip forward.
- The patient will be asked to hold still and not talk while the scan arm moves over the top of them.
- The patient will also have their height and weight measured.
- What are the benefits of DEXA?
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DEXA is a quick and painless procedure. It is a non-invasive procedure. The amount of radiation used is extremely small - less than one-tenth the dose of a standard chest x-ray.