Everything to Know About DEXA Scan

DEXA scans are performed to check bone density. The objective of these scans is to understand the risk of breaking a bone. Apart from this, DEXA scans to help diagnose bone-related health problems. 

What should you know about the DEXA Exam? 

DEXA stands for dual X-ray absorptiometry scans. These scans shoot low radiation, high and low energy X-ray beams through the body to check the density of the bones. Your healthcare provider may ask you to schedule a DEXA scan to understand the state of your bones. 

In general, DEXA scans are performed on the lower spine and hips. However, in some adults and children, the whole body can be scanned. 

DEXA Exam: Common Reasons to Have One

DEXA remains an essential diagnostic tool for detecting osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women afflicted by the gradual loss of bone mass and structural decay leading to increased fragility and fracture propensity. Osteoporosis treatment effectiveness and progression are reliably tracked via serial DEXA assessments, further establishing utility.

DEXA scan is strongly advised if:

1. You’re a postmenopausal woman not taking estrogen replacement. some have a family or maternal background of hip fracture or smoking. Post-menopausal women who are over 5 feet 7 inches or are thin (weighing less than 56 kg) may also need a DEXA scan. 
2. Men may require screening with medical conditions tied to bone loss like rheumatoid arthritis, and persistent kidney or liver disease. certain prescriptions are known to cause depletion including corticosteroids like Prednisone and some anticonvulsants such as Dilantin or selected barbiturates, or high doses of thyroid hormone replacement.
3. A person with type 1 diabetes, liver dysfunction, kidney disease or a familial history of fragile bones warrants testing. Excessive collagen in urine samples points to rapid bone turnover.
   
4. They have an overactive thyroid such as hyperthyroidism, then it needs to be considered.
   
5. They have too much parathyroid hormone as in hyperparathyroidism as well.
6. A person who has had a fracture after only minor trauma or signs of vertebral fractures or osteoporosis on x-rays justifies screening.

DEXA Exam and Preparation

If you have a DEXA exam scheduled, then here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Before the exam, at least 24 hours prior, do not take any calcium supplements. The reason for this is simple, if the calcium supplement is not dissolved in your body completely, it will reflect as extra bone in your body, which will affect your results. 
2. Avoid wearing clothes with belts, or metallic parts. Also, when you go for your test, leave things like rings, keys, eyeglasses and other metal objects outside. Since these exams use magnetic rays, that will cause problems for you.
3. If you have recently had a barium exam, a nuclear medicine test or had any contrast material injected, let your healthcare provider know. These tests and injections will interfere with the bone density exam. If this is the case for you, you may have to wait ten to fourteen days before the exam.

DEXA exams are a relatively quick process. Almost no preparation is required apart from the above-mentioned points. 

Note: This test is not suited for pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, let your doctor know because it will affect your fetus. 

Some DEXA Exam FAQs

What will you experience during and after the procedure?

This is a painless procedure, so expect to feel nothing. 

How often do you need DEXA exams? 

DEXA exams are requested by your doctor. In most cases, your doctor will ask you to test bone density in two to four years time. However, in cases of high-dose steroid medication, your doctor may ask you to follow up within six months.

How does the process work? 

The DEXA machine passes a thin, unseen beam of low-dose X-rays with two definite energy peaks through the bones to be measured. One peak is mostly absorbed by soft flesh, while the other is absorbed by bones. The soft tissue quantity can be subtracted from the total, leaving the person’s bone mineral density. The computer monitor of the DEXA machine features unique software that determines bone density and demonstrates measurements. 

What happens when in the DEXA exam room?

You will find a table, you, you will have to lie down on it. There will be a machine, which will throw magnetic rays on your body to detect bone density. The process is similar to getting an x-ray. 

CareScan, Your Trusted DEXA Exam and Imaging Clinic 

Whether you’re looking for CT Scans Near Me or a bone density exam, Care Scan is the place to be for your scans, The clinic employs friendly and trained staff to help you feel comfortable while testing. The staff also ensures that the tests are accurate. Apart from this, they have a lot of modern technology, and the latest equipment to make the process faster and more efficient. Get in touch with them today to book your appointment!