A DXA scan: what is it?

A DXA scan is a type of diagnostic imaging exam. To determine how solid your bones are, very low doses of x-rays are used. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is referred to as DXA. DXA scans are recognised by medical professionals as the “gold standard” for identifying fracture risk and osteoporosis.

Who needs a DXA scan?

In case you are susceptible to osteoporosis, a bone density scan will be recommended by your physician. A person’s average risk of developing osteoporosis is 45-year-old postmenopausal women and 50-year-old men.

Males over 60 and females over 50 additionally have the following increased risk factors for osteoporosis:

Possess a high alcohol intake, smoke, or have a family history of fragility fractures
Lack of vitamin D
Possess low body weight
Frequent falls and immobilised (unable to walk or perform household chores without assistance)
Engage in little physical exercise

What happens during the scan?

You will be positioned while lying on a table. You may be requested to hold your breath during the scan, so you must remain motionless throughout.
Using low-dose X-rays, the scanner scans the desired area and projects the results onto a computer screen. The hip and lower back bones are imaged using X-ray technology. Forearm X-rays are occasionally obtained as well. The entire body is scanned in specific circumstances.
During the test, you do not have to undress, but you should wear loose-fitting apparel. Make sure there are no metal items on your clothing, including buttons or anything in your pockets.

How much time is needed for a DXA scan?

Typically, a DXA scan takes no longer than twenty-five minutes.

Does a DXA scan cause pain?

The X-ray rays passing through your body will not cause you any pain. Depending on how you are positioned, lying on the table could make you feel a little uncomfortable. However, you will not have to hold that posture for more than a few minutes.

What do the results indicate?

Results for bone density are frequently presented as a T-score. The bone density of a 30-year-old in good health is compared to your measurement to determine your T-score. You most likely have some bone loss if your T-score is low.

Your findings might indicate one of the following:

T-score of at least 1.0. This bone density is regarded as normal.
T-score ranging from -1.0 to -2.5. This indicates that you may be at possibility of getting osteoporosis due to your low bone density, or osteopenia.
T-score of no more than -2.5. You likely suffer from osteoporosis.

Your doctor will be able to better assess your risk of future bone fractures based on the findings of your bone density scan and the scores you receive. They will then choose the best course of action for you to assist in safeguarding your bones based on this information.

Your T-score, among other data, can be used by your doctor to assess your risk of hip fracture, or fragility fracture in general (broken bone after fall). Among the information are:

How many falls you have experienced in the past year
How many fractures you have had after turning 50 years old, your age, and your gender
Your doctor might recommend osteoporosis medication if your fracture risk is higher than usual.

Your doctor may suggest the following actions if your test results indicate that you have low bone density to stop additional bone loss:

Increasing your physical activity level by walking, dancing, and utilising weight machines
Supplementing your diet with calcium and vitamin D
Taking prescribed medications to strengthen your bones

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