What is it?
Dexa Bone Density Scan – Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry uses xray to assess bone mineral density. This test can also be used in determining fat content and total body composition.
I am coming in for this test, what can I expect?
This test is non-invasive and basically you lie on a machine for about 20 minutes while it scans you with a small scanning arm that runs over your body. Nothing touches you and it doesn’t hurt a bit. The machine will print out a report that the doctor reviews. See what a DEXA Machine looks like by clicking here.
Is there any preparation?
Make sure you have had no nuclear medicine studies in the last 30 days. No hip replacements. Make sure you wear a 2 piece outfit with no metal in pants (zippers, etc.).
In cases of hip replacements, we can still do the study but will use a different technique involving the arm/forearm. The most important detail regarding hip replacements is to let the tech know prior to testing that you have had a hip replacement so the right technique will be performed. The hip prosthesis will cause artifact and make scan unreadable.