DEXA (Bone Density) Scan
Cone Health offers dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans – often known as bone density scans – to check for osteoporosis in patients. The scan works by passing a high and low energy X-ray beam through the body. A DEXA scan is measuring the strength of your bones and can detect osteopenia, which is low bone density that can lead to osteoporosis.
DEXA scans are typically done on:
- Post-menopausal women 65+ every two years as part of a routine physical
- Patients with diagnosed osteoporosis on bone building therapy to check on the effectiveness of the treatment
- Patients with Crohn's disease or Celiac, because their medication can impact bone density
- Children with bone diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta
Things to Consider Before Your DEXA (Bone Density) Scan
During the scan, you’ll lie on a table and have your hips and lower back scanned. (If your hips and/or back are unable to be scanned due to metal implants, your non-dominant forearm can be scanned instead.)
You will never be enclosed in a tube or tunnel during this test, so there is no risk of claustrophobia. There are also no needles involved.
This is a quick scan – it only takes about 15 minutes.
You can wear your own clothes for this scan, just avoid clothing that has zippers or metal on it. Ideally, clothing with elastic instead of snaps, buttons or zippers works best for this scan. If you do need to change into a gown, there is a private changing area.
If you take calcium supplements, avoid taking them 48 hours before your DEXA scan. If you have residual supplements in your body, the scan might pick that up and give an incorrect result.
Contact Information
If you have questions or would like more information about DEXA scans at Cone Health, please contact us at (336) 951-4657.
