DEXA Scan

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KEY POINTS

• A DEXA scan is a special X-ray exam to see if your bones are healthy and strong. It may also be called a bone density test. It helps your healthcare decide if you need treatment for osteoporosis and your risk for breaking a bone.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had X-ray tests using barium or any nuclear medicine tests. You may need to wait up to 2 weeks after those tests before you have a bone density test.
• Ask your healthcare provider how and when you will get your test results.

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What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan is a special X-ray exam to see if your bones are healthy and strong. It may also be called a bone density test or DXA scan. The test measures the thickness (density) and strength of your bones. It is painless.

Bones naturally get thinner as you get older. This weakens the bones, and weaker bones put you at higher risk for fractures, such as a spine fracture or broken hip.

Bone density tests show bone loss sooner than regular X-rays, before as much bone is lost. It helps your healthcare decide if you need treatment for osteoporosis and your risk for breaking a bone.

When is it used?

A DEXA scan may be done for several reasons:

• You are a woman age 65 and older or a man age 70 and older. If you have a high risk for osteoporosis, you should have the test at a younger age.
• You have a family history of osteoporosis.
• You take a medicine that may weaken your bones.
• You have an increased risk for osteoporosis because you:
  • Have a low body weight
  • Have rheumatoid arthritis
  • Have gone through menopause early
  • Smoke
  • Drink a lot of alcohol
  • Don’t get regular exercise
  • Have certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease
• You have had fractures in the past

Your provider will review your risk factors and talk to you about whether you should have a bone density test.

How do I prepare for this scan?

• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Ask your provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements, such as calcium, before the test.
• Avoid wearing clothing with buttons, snaps, or zippers on the day of the test. If you wear pants with an elastic waistband or cloth tie, you won't need to get undressed for the test.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had X-ray tests using barium or any nuclear medicine tests. You may need to wait up to two weeks after those tests before you have a bone density test.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are or might be pregnant.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the scan?

During the test you lie down on a padded table. You will need to lie still while the test is being done, but you can breathe normally. The spine, hip, and forearm are the most common areas checked because they are most likely to break if your bones are weak.

What happens after the scan?

You can go home after the scan is completed. Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Some people worry about radiation exposure from tests that use X-rays. The amount of radiation used for this test is very low. It is less than you are exposed to during a typical chest X-ray. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.