DEXA Scan stands for Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. It is a method of
Bone Mineral Density Assessment used at the Ogden Clinic to:
Detect the presence of osteoporosis in men and women with particular risk factors
Screen for osteoporosis, particularly in women making decisions about hormone
replacement therapy at menopause
Predict future fracture risk
Monitor bone density in those with low normal levels and in those with
osteoporosis undergoing treatment.
Common uses of a Dexascan:
DEXA scan is used at the Ogden Clinic to diagnose osteoporosis in people
with the following risk factors:
Female
Caucasian
Advanced age
History of bone fracture
Small thin frame
Family history of osteoporosis
Removal of the ovaries
Early menopause
Low calcium diet
Lack of exercise
Eating disorders
Certain medicines (such as steroids or anticonvulsants)
Alcohol and tobacco
How does it work?
Certified medical personnel at the Ogden Clinic will ask you to lie without
moving on the scan table. You will be able to breathe normally throughout
the bone densitometry procedure. A scanner will pass over one area of
your skeleton: your lower spine, wrist or hip. A dual energy beam of very
low dose x-rays then passes through that area of your body and is measured
by a detector. You will not feel anything during the exam. The scan is
repeated for a second skeletal area. DEXA scan technology works by measuring
the amount of x-rays absorbed by the bones in your body. The two x-ray
energies allow the machine to differentiate between bone and soft tissue,
giving an extremely accurate estimation of bone density.
Patient Comfort
You will not feel any discomfort during the bone densitometry procedure.
Even though x-rays are used, the amount absorbed by the patient is only
about 1/10th of that received from a chest x-ray. Other x-ray procedures
have even higher x-ray doses. The x-ray dose from the bone densitometry
test is comparable to the naturally occurring radiation you are exposed
to in an average week.
Caution: Even though the x-ray dose from the bone densitometry test is very low,
please inform the operator if you are pregnant or might be pregnant before
your test.
Preparation required
Eat normally on the day of the exam, but avoid calcium supplements the
day of your appointment. If possible, wear a two-piece outfit so you will
not need to disrobe entirely and avoid wearing clothing with metal (buttons,
zippers, etc.).
After the test
Patients can resume normal activities after the test.
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