DEXA Scan

DEXA Scan - The Gold Standard for Measuring Bone Density

What is DEXA Scan?

DEXA scan, also known as Bone Density Scan,  detects the strength & thickness of the bone. It also helps in the diagnosis & detection of Osteoporosis & Osteopenia fracture risks.

A DEXA scan also uses a low radiation dose, meaning the health risks are much lower than standard X-rays.

This scan can help detect the strength & thickness of the bone in the various parts of the body like Arms, legs, neck, hip, and spine.

What is a DEXA scan used for?

DEXA scan is used to:

• Access bone strength

• Calculate bone density

• Measure fat mass

• Diagnose osteoporosis & osteopenia

• Predict the risk of future fractures

• Check treatment efficiency

Who is at risk of developing Osteoporosis?

• Over the age of 50 with the risk of developing osteoporosis 

• History of smoking, alcohol consumption, and Low BMI (body mass index) 

• People with higher FRAX risk scores 

• Menopause and low estrogen 

• History of hip fracture 

• Bone thinning caused by Glucocorticosteroids, Heparin / Warfarin, medroxyprogesterone acetate, cancer drugs, and thyroid hormone 

• Vitamin D deficiency

“1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4  men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.”

A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. Here are some of the Risk Factors that could cause issues with your bone health:

• Celiac disease

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Hyperthyroidism, or hyperparathyroidism

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Kidney or liver disease

• Multiple myeloma

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Seizures, Gastric reflux, Cancer, and Transplant rejection medication

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

• Tobacco use

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?

• Back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra

• Loss of height over time

• A stooped posture

• A bone that breaks much more easily than expected

How to prepare yourself for the scan?

There are a few things to follow before going in for a DEXA Scan:

• Avoid calcium supplements 24 to 48 hours before your test 

• Eat and drink normally prior to the scan 

• Avoid wearing metallic objects during the scan 

• Consult your physician if you are pregnant before the procedure 

• Simple & painless procedure 

• Plan for the procedure to take 10-30 minutes 

• Expect no downtime or pain associated with the scan 

Pre-scan assessments

• FRAX - The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, estimates your risk of having a hip or other major fracture in the next 10 years

• Kinetisense - A full-body functional movement test

Reports are provided within 24 hours.