Information for patients > Services > Bone Densitometry
Bone Densitometry (DEXA Scan)
Information for patients
It is perfectly understandable to be apprehensive when you arrive for an investigation, but staff at all our sites are kind, friendly, informative and helpful and will help you to feel relaxed and calm. The information below should give you a reasonable idea about how to prepare for your particular type of investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Bone Densitometry (DEXA scan)
What is bone densitometry?
How does bone densitometry work?
What happens during the procedure?
Is a DEXA scan dangerous?
How long does it take?
What websites can give me additional information?
Bone densitometry or bone density scanning is used to measure the strength of an individual's bones and determine the risk of fracture. It calculates bone mineral density (BMD), and provides doctors with an assessment of the amount of calcified tissue in a patient's bones. Bone density scans are most frequently used as a screening and diagnostic test for osteoporosis. a disease that occurs when the bones become thin and weak. Osteoporosis happens when the bones lose calcium and other minerals that keep them strong.
How does bone densitometry work?
Two X-ray beams with differing energy levels are aimed at the patient's bones. When soft tissue absorption is subtracted out, the bone mineral density (BMD) can be determined.
What happens during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on a bed underneath the scanner, a curving plastic arm that emits x rays. These low-dose x rays form a fan beam that rotate around you. During the test, the scanner moves to capture images of your spine, hip or entire body
A DEXA scan exposes the patient to only a small amount of radiation—about one-fiftieth that of a chest x-ray. It is an entirely painless procedure.
Bone density scans usually only take between 5 and 10 minutes, but this depends, of course, upon how many images need to be taken.
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