Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
What is bone densitometry?
Bone densitometry measures the bone mineral content in various sites of the body, allowing a physician to diagnose osteoporosis and assess a patient's risk of suffering bone fractures. Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone," is a disease that reduces bone density and often leads to fractures, pain and physical deformity. The disease may progress silently for years, showing no symptoms until painful or debilitating fractures occur. With the help of a dual-energy absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, physicians can determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and decide the best course of action for your bone health.
Why should I have a DEXA scan?
What should I expect?
How long will it take?
How does it work?
How do I prepare?
Locations
Download Brochure
Why should I have a DEXA scan?
Early detection of bone loss is the best way to prevent osteoporosis. The DEXA scan will alert you to any problems and allow your physician to prescribe treatments that will curb bone loss.
What will happen during my DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is a simple, non-invasive procedure. At the beginning of the exam, you will be asked to lie down on a scan table and remain motionless. A scanner will pass over one of three skeletal areas - your lower spine, hip or wrist. As the scanner moves, a dual energy beam passes through the targeted skeletal section and is measured by a detector. The scanner then passes over a second skeletal area and repeats the process.
A DEXA scan is very safe, and there are no complications associated with the procedure. The level of radiation emitted during a DEXA scan is merely a fraction of that emitted during a regular chest X-ray. Nevertheless, if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, inform your technologist or physician before the procedure.
How long will the DEXA scan take?
The entire procedure lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Once the scan is complete, the radiologist will interpret the findings and forward a report to your physician.
How does a DEXA scan work?
A DEXA scan works by measuring the amount of X-rays that are absorbed by your bones. The two distinct X-ray beams allow the scanner to differentiate between soft tissue and bone - one beam is absorbed mainly by soft tissue, the other by bone. The soft tissue absorption amount is then subtracted from the total amount of X-rays absorbed. The resulting number is a very accurate estimation of your bone density.
A DEXA scan is very safe, and there are no complications associated with the procedure. The level of radiation emitted during a DEXA scan is merely a fraction of that emitted during a regular chest X-ray. Nevertheless, if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, inform your technologist or physician before the procedure.
How do I prepare for a DEXA scan?
This procedure requires no special preparation. However, it is important to avoid taking vitamins and calcium supplements on the day of your exam.
Please wear clothing without buttons, metal buckles or zippers in the lower spine and hip regions.
NOTE: Our systems and software are designed for patients up to 350 pounds, 300 pounds at Crowfoot Business Centre and Market Mall. Larger patients may have wrist densitometry, for which there is no weight limit, and this is available at all sites except Crowfoot, Market Mall and Southcentre.
