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Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, a bone disease that can lead to increased risk of fracture. When bone mass decreases, bones become more fragile. In this case falling becomes a special risk. Osteoporosis commonly happens in advanced age (in both men and women). Estrogen deficiency following menopause can cause a rapid reduction in bone mineral density, and when testosterone levels decrease in men, a similar result can occur. The best method for measuring bone density is through a bone mineral densitometry test (DEXA). In the past, conventional X-ray only revealed potential problems only after 25 to 30 percent of bone density had been lost. Today's sophisticated equipment can reveal signs of osteoporosis much sooner. The testing procedure is quick, easy and painless.
How to Prepare for a Bone Densitometry exam
- Let your physician know if you've had a barium exam or were injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) exam, scan or a radioisotope for a nuclear medicine scan. If so, you may have to wait 3 days for your DEXA exam.
- You may eat normally on the day of the exam
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes with zippers, belts, buttons or any other metal objects.
- Before the exam, you may be asked to remove some clothes or wear a gown if there is any metal that will interfere with the exam.
How is Bone Densitometry performed?
- You will be asked to lie flat on a padded table. A low dose x-ray will pass over you to obtain images of hips and lumbar spine.
- You'll be asked to remain still while the images are obtained. The technologist will remain in the room while the scan is being performed.
- A bone density test takes about 20 minutes.
Pregnancy Policy:
All patients of childbearing age (10 - 54) will be required to sign that there is No Chance of Pregnancy prior to an imaging exam being performed (Exception: - Ultrasound). If there is a chance of pregnancy, STAT blood work will be ordered prior to the procedure being performed to establish that there is no chance of pregnancy.
In the event, you are pregnant and the exam is deemed necessary by your physician, you will be shielded and monitored with a radiation badge.