DEXA scanning is a simple, painless test, performed while lying down on the table of the unit. Determinations are made in the lumbar spine, hip and occasionally the forearm. The length of the exam is 10-15 minutes.
Indications to refer patients for bone densitometry testing include:
• Diagnose osteoporosis-even in its earliest stages
• Estimate risk of future fractures
• Monitor efficacy of drug therapy on bone density
No calcium supplements, day of exam. Wear clothing without metallic fasteners or decorations, if you do not wish to change into a hospital gown
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA, previously DEXA) is a means of measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Two x-ray beams with differing energy levels are aimed at the patient's bones. When soft tissue absorption is subtracted out, the BMD can be determined from the absorption of each beam by bone. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most widely used and most thoroughly studied bone density measurement technology.