DEXA or DXA uses dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. A very small dose of ionising radiation is used in this type of scan.DEXA scan produces pictures of the inside of the body. It is done to see if there is any bone loss. The most common procedure to diagnose osteoporosis. Widely used by healthcare officials to assess an individual’s risk for developing osteoporosis fractures. It is a simple, quick, and non-invasive technique. It is also the most common and the most standard method of diagnosis for osteoporosis.

This exam requires no special preparation. Make sure to tell your doctor and the technologist if there is any possibility of you being pregnant. If you recently had a barium exam or received a contrast, then this May interfere with the bone scan. Do not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the test.

 Benefits 

  •   A simple and quick non-invasive procedure.
  • Requires No anesthesia.
  • The amount of radiation used is very small- less than the dose of the normal chest x-ray.
  • This procedure tells if there is any treatment needed. This method can be used to monitor the effects of the treatment.
  • The DEXA equipment is widely available.
  • No radiation stays in the body after an X-ray exam

 Risks

Always a very slight chance of cancer forming from excessive exposure to radiation. A small amount of radiation can be used in medical imaging. The benefits of this procedure usually outweigh the associated risks.

  •  No complications are listed in this process.
  • Women should tell their doctor if they are expecting a pregnancy.
  • Test results may not be accurate for structural abnormalities in their spines, arthritis, previous spinal surgeries etc.
  • A bone density scan can tell that a patient has low bone density but cannot tell the cause why. To answer the why, a more complete medical evaluation is needed.
  • Though DEXA is an effective method of measuring bone density, The presence of vertebral compression or osteoarthritis will likely interfere with the procedure and the accuracy of the test.
  • Central DXA is considered to be more sensitive than the standardized pDXA devices. They are heavier on the pockets.

DEXA Tests were done on a peripheral location, such as the heel or wrist, generally help to predict the risk of fracture in the hip or spine area. This group of tests is not helpful in the following response to the treatment.

Important note – Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible. To produce the best images that will be needed for evaluation. The technician will use the standard techniques and standards and are accepted by the national and international radiology protection organizations.

The modern x-ray aims to minimize radiation by using controlled beams of x-rays and dose controls. This method ensures that the other parts of the body are not being imaged and receive minimal radiation exposure. To keep a track of the bone density and the risk of osteoporosis is examined by this type of test. It is a safe method that is painless and uses a low dose of radiation.