DEXA Scan
Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)
A Bone Density Test or DEXA Scan enhances the accuracy of calculating your
risk for osteoporosis, a disorder characterized by bones that are more
fragile and more likely to break. DEXA scan uses low-dose Dual-energy
x-rays to measure bone mineral density using spectral imaging. The x-ray
beams are aimed at the patient’s bones, one peak is absorbed mainly
by soft tissue and the other by bone. When soft tissue absorption is subtracted
out, the bone mineral density can be determined from the absorption of
each beam by bone. The bones that are most commonly scanned are the lower
spine, hips, and sometimes the forearm.
What Can Bone Density Help Diagnose:
- Can help identify decrease in your bone density
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
- Monitor osteoporosis treatment
