A DEXA scan is an examination that measures the amount of calcium (bone density) in your bones.
The results are compared to the average values for your age and gender to assess your bone strength.
A DEXA scan is used to determine whether there is bone loss (osteoporosis).
Medication use or hereditary factors can cause your bone density to differ from what is considered average for your age and gender. With osteoporosis, the bones lose strength, making fractures or compression of the vertebrae more likely.
The standard measurement includes the lower spine and the left hip. If necessary, an additional scan may be performed of the wrist or the entire spine.
During the examination, you lie on your back on the exam table. You do not go into a tunnel. It is important to remain still. The scanning arm moves over the area being measured and uses a very low dose of X-rays. This arm is connected to a computer that processes the results. Each scan takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
The entire examination lasts approximately 15 minutes and is not painful.
No special preparations are required for this examination. However, we kindly ask you to keep the following in mind:
You may eat and drink normally and continue taking your regular medication.
Before the examination, please remove all metal objects such as jewelry, piercings, watches, underwire bras and dental prostheses.
Please be aware that the area being examined must be free of clothing. You always keep your underwear on.
Always inform the radiographer if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Within 24 hours after the examination, the radiologist reviews the data and prepares a report.
This report is then sent to the referring physician (in most cases, your GP).
You will need to make an appointment with your GP to discuss the results.
This examination takes approximately 15 minutes.
The procedure is not painful and is relatively quick.
No additional preparation is required.
You may eat and drink normally before the examination. However, you will be asked to remove any clothing that contains metal parts.
Have you had an X-ray examination with contrast medium within the past day?
If so, this examination cannot be performed. Please contact us for further advice.
If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please contact your referring (GP) doctor for further guidance.
If you are pregnant, the examination may not be carried out. If it is not clear whether you might be pregnant, the appointment will be postponed until there is certainty. If it is not medically safe to delay the examination, you will be treated as if you are pregnant. In such cases, the radiologist will consult with your (GP) doctor.
