Bone Densitometry Scan (DEXA)

What is Bone Densitometry Scanning (DEXA)?

Bone densitometry is a simple and quick scan used to determine a patient’s bone density. Specifically, it measures bone minerals (calcium) and bone density to determine if the patient has osteoporosis, is at risk for fractures, and to monitor patient reactions to osteoporosis treatment.

Who should have a bone densitometry scan?

  • All women age 65+
  • Women who are postmenopausal, under age 65, with one or more additional osteoporosis risk factors (see below)
  • Women who are postmenopausal who have suffered fractures
  • Women who either are or have been on hormone replacement or estrogen replacement therapy for prolonged periods
  • Women considering therapy for osteoporosis who want a scan to facilitate the decision

Common risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

  • History of a fracture as an adult or stooped posture
  • Estrogen deficiency
  • A diet low in calcium
  • An inactive life style with little or no exercise
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Thyroid disease
  • Use of certain medication (steroids, anticonvulsants, excessive thyroid hormone, certain cancer treatments, heparin therapy)
  • Low testosterone levels in men

Patient Preparation:

  • Take No VITAMINS or CALCIUM supplements on the day of your exam.
  • It is best to wear metal-free clothing and avoid metal fasteners such as zippers or buttons, as well as bras with metal underwires.
  • Inform your technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials for review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to remove clothing accessories with any metal, such as zippers or clasps, and a gown will be provided if necessary. The technologist will record your height and weight, and ask you a few screening questions.
  • A DEXA scan is quick and painless. The technologist will position you on the padded exam table for three separate scans of your spine, wrist and hip. During each scan, a camera will slowly slide above your body sending an invisible beam of low-dose x-rays through the area being examined. This exam normally takes about 15 minutes to complete.
  • The DEXA machine uses special software to calculate your bone density measurements.

Results

Once the images have been acquired, they are used in conjunction with your patient information to calculate your T-score, or “young normal” bone density. In other words, the T-score is used to compare your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year old of the same ethnicity and sex. Results will be dictated by a Radiologist and a formal written report will be sent to your referring clinician within 2 to 3 days. Your clinician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your clinician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.