A DEXA scan, or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, uses x ray technology to determine the distribution of lean muscle, fat, water and bone in your body. Unlike any other body composition measuring tool, DEXA results are highly accurate and highly reproducible.
It works by passing two safe and very low dose x-ray beams at differing energy levels through the tissues of the body. The amount of radiation that passes through the tissue is measured by a detector. The computer then determines how much of your tissue is muscle fat water or bone and where it’s all stored.
The total scan takes about 7 minutes, where you’ll be lying flat on the scanning bed. The DEXA is the ‘gold standard’ body composition testing. It has the greatest precision and shorter scan times.
Find a location near you
Schedule an appointment
Prepare! Do not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the exam and avoid wearing clothes with metal zippers or hooks.
Lay flat on the scanning bed for roughly 7 minutes
Directly after you’re scanned, you’ll get your results and will walk through them with a professional.
A Bone Densitometry test is used to measure how strong your bones are. It is commonly used to identify osteoporosis, a condition that causes a decrease in the density of bones resulting in fragility, and to determine a person’s risk for developing fractures. Risk for developing fracture is determined by age, weight and family/personal history. Talk to your doctor before scheduling a bone density scan.
DEXA is today’s established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and is most often performed on the spine, hips or forearm.
Talk to your doctor about your eligibility for Bone Density Testing
Your doctor will recommend a nearby Dexa Scan provider that is covered by your health insurance.
Schedule an appointment for the scan and an additional appointment with your doctor to discuss the results.
Prepare! Do not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the exam and avoid wearing clothes with metal zippers or hooks.
Lay flat on the scanning bed for roughly 10 to 20 minutes
Discuss your results with your health care provider.
T score: This number shows your Bone Mineral Density compared to young adults of the same gender in peak health.
Z score: This number shows your Bone Mineral Density compared to other people in your age group of the same size and gender. If this score is more than 2 standard deviations above or below average, it may indicate a need for further medical tests.
Lie down in the scanner for around 5 minutes while the scanner passes over your body taking measurements. Get results on the spot.
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