You may be told to not wear clothes with metal zippers, belts or buttons on the day of the scan. Or you may change into a gown for the test.

If you are wearing glasses, jewellery or other objects that could interfere with the test, you will be asked to take them off.

You will lie on a table and be placed in position. When the scan is being done, you must stay very still and you may be asked to hold your breath.

The scanner moves over the area to be scanned and uses low-dose x-rays to produce images on a computer screen. X-rays are taken of the bones of the lower spine and hip. Sometimes x-rays are also taken of the forearms.

In some cases, the whole body is scanned. Bone density scans use low levels of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is strong enough to damage cells in our bodies and increase the chance of developing cancer. But the risk associated with any one scan is very small.

Scans and other x-rays are strictly monitored and controlled to make sure they use the least possible amount of radiation. The benefits of having a bone density scan outweigh the risk of exposure to the small amount of radiation received during the scan. A bone density scan tells your doctor how strong your bones are by using a numbered score.

Your doctor will use this score to discuss whether you have normal bone mass, low bone mass or osteoporosis. A bone density scan can also predict how likely you are to break a bone over the next 10 years by using a percentage. Your doctor will use this percentage to discuss if you have a low, moderate or high risk.

Your doctor will decide whether further tests, procedures, follow-up care or additional treatment are needed. Preparing children before a test or procedure can help lower their anxiety, increase their cooperation and develop their coping skills.

This includes explaining to children what will happen during the test, such as what they will see, feel and hear. Preparing a child for a bone density scan depends on the age and experience of the child.

But you'll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown. When you have a DEXA scan you lie on your back on a flat, open X-ray table.

You'll need to keep still during the scan so the images are not blurred. The scan will usually be carried out by a radiographer, a specialist in taking X-ray images. During the scan, a large scanning arm will be passed over your body to measure bone density in the centre of the skeleton.

As the scanning arm is moved slowly over your body, a narrow beam of low-dose X-rays will be passed through the part of your body being examined. This will usually be your hip and lower spine to check for weak bones osteoporosis. But as bone density varies in different parts of the skeleton, more than one part of your body may be scanned.

The forearm may be scanned for certain health problems, such as hyperparathyroidism , or if scans are not possible in the hip or spine.

T-scores are prohibited with children and should not even appear on DXA reports. Thus, the WHO classification of osteoporosis and osteopenia in adults cannot be applied to children, but Z-scores can be used to assist diagnosis.

Some clinics may routinely carry out DXA scans on pediatric patients with conditions such as nutritional rickets , lupus , and Turner syndrome.

However, it seems that DXA is still in its early days in pediatrics, and there are widely acknowledged limitations and disadvantages with DXA. A view exists [15] that DXA scans for diagnostic purposes should not even be performed outside specialist centers, and, if a scan is done outside one of these centers, it should not be interpreted without consultation with an expert in the field.

Whole-body calcium measured by DXA has been validated in adults using in-vivo neutron activation of total body calcium [16] [17] but this is not suitable for paediatric subjects and studies have been carried out on paediatric-sized animals.

DXA scans can also be used to measure total body composition and fat content with a high degree of accuracy comparable to hydrostatic weighing with a few important caveats. DXA scans have been suggested as useful tools to diagnose conditions with an abnormal fat distribution, such as familial partial lipodystrophy.

DXA uses X-rays to measure bone mineral density. The radiation dose of current DEXA systems is small, [24] as low as 0.

The quality of DXA operators varies widely. DXA is not regulated like other radiation-based imaging techniques because of its low dosage.

Each US state has a different policy as to what certifications are needed to operate a DXA machine. California , for example, requires coursework and a state-run test, whereas Maryland has no requirements for DXA technicians. Many states require a training course and certificate from the International Society of Clinical Densitometry ISCD.

In Australia, regulation differs according to the applicable state or territory. For example, in Victoria, an individual performing DXA scans is required to completed a recognised course in safe use of bone mineral densitometers. The Environmental Protection Agency EPA oversees licensing of technicians, however, this is far from rigorous and regulation is non-existent.

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Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikimedia Commons. Diagnostic test for bone mineral density testing. For the chemical, see Dextrallorphan. Main article: Bone density § Testing. National Library of Medicine. National Osteoporosis Society. Retrieved Preventive Services Task Force.

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The DEXA apparatus includes a flat padded table that you lie on. A movable arm above holds the X-ray detector. A device that produces X-rays is below the table. The technician will position you on the table. They may place a wedge under your knees to help flatten your spine for the image, or to position your hip.

They may also position your arm for scanning. The technician will ask you to hold very still while the imaging arm above slowly moves across your body. The X-ray radiation level is low enough to allow the technician to remain in the room with you while operating the device.

The scoring system for the scan measures your bone loss against that of a healthy young adult, according to standards established by the WHO.

This is called your T score. Your results may also give you a Z score, which compares your bone loss to that of others in your age group. Your doctor will go over the tests results with you.

The doctor may want to follow up with a second DEXA scan in two years, to measure any changes. If your results indicate osteopenia or osteoporosis, your doctor will discuss with you what you can do to slow bone loss and stay healthy.

Treatment may simply involve lifestyle changes. Your doctor may advise you to start weight-bearing exercises , balance exercises, strengthening exercises, or a weight loss program. If your osteoporosis is more severe, the doctor may advise that you take one of the many drugs that are designed to strengthen bones and lessen bone loss.

Be sure to ask about side effects of any drug treatment. Making a lifestyle change or starting a medication to help slow your bone loss is a good investment in your health and longevity.

Studies suggest that 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation NOF. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Dairy is the best source of calcium in the diet, the main mineral in bones. For this reason, milk is often recommended to optimize bone health. Calcium supplements can help you build strong bones. However, they may also cause negative health effects for many people.

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Results are reported as Z-scores and T-scores. Z-scores are used for people…. While research on the benefits of tai chi for osteoporosis is promising, researchers note the need for more rigorous studies. Here's what we know. Several doctors and other healthcare professionals can treat osteoporosis.

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What Is a DEXA Scan? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Cost Purpose Preparation Procedure Results Outlook A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss.

How much does it cost? How do you prepare for a DEXA scan? What do the results mean? Although we all are exposed to ionizing radiation every day from the natural environment, added exposures can slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan to test for osteoporosis or thinning of your bones. Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women who are 65 years old or older and for women who are 50 to 64 and have certain risk factors, such as having a parent who has broken a hip.

However, there are other risk factors for osteoporosis besides age and gender, such as some intestinal disorders, multiple sclerosis, or low body weight.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan if you have any of these other risk factors. DEXA scans should be used when the health benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have before a DEXA scan. Find information on special considerations pregnant women and children.

Learn more about the benefits and risks of imaging tests, including nuclear medicine, and how to reduce your exposure to radiation.

DEXA scans are different from other imaging procedures because they are used to screen for a specific condition. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Radiation and Your Health. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.

Radiation in Healthcare: Bone Density DEXA Scan Minus Related Pages. What You Should Know Your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan to test for osteoporosis or thinning of your bones.

Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men over the age of 50 are affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases the risk for broken bones and can have serious effects in older adults. What To Expect Before the procedure Make sure to let your healthcare provider or radiologist medical professional specially trained in radiation procedures if you are pregnant or think you may or could be pregnant.

Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Metal can interfere with test results. During the procedure You may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any clothing that may interfere with the imaging. You will lay on a table and the radiologist or medical assistant will position your legs on a padded box.