DEXA

A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.

DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. This technique was introduced for commercial use in 1987. It sends two X-ray beams at different peak energy frequencies to the target bones.

One peak is absorbed by soft tissue and the other by bone. When the soft tissue absorption amount is subtracted from the total absorption, the remainder is your bone mineral density.

The test is noninvasive, fast, and more accurate than a regular X-ray. It involves an extremely low level of radiation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established DEXA as the best technique for assessing bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. DEXA is also known as DXA or bone densitometry.

Medicare

Medicare Part B fully covers a DEXA test once every two years, or more often if it’s medically necessary, if you meet at least one of these criteria:

  • Your doctor determines that you’re at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history.
  • X-rays show the possibility of osteoporosis, osteopenia, or fractures.
  • You’re taking a steroid drug, such as prednisone.
  • You have primary hyperparathyroidism.
  • Your doctor wants to monitor to see if your osteoporosis drug is working.

What’s the purpose of the scan?

A DEXA scan is used to determine your risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. It may also be used to monitor whether your osteoporosis treatment is working. Usually the scan will target your lower spine and hips.

Standard X-ray diagnostics used before the development of the DEXA technology were only able to detect bone loss that was greater than 40 percent. DEXA can measure within 2 percent to 4 percent precision.

Before DEXA, the first sign of bone density loss might be when an older adult broke a bone.

When your doctor will order DEXA

Your doctor may order a DEXA scan:

  • if you’re a woman over age 65 or a man over 70, which is the recommendation of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and other medical groups
  • if you have symptoms of osteoporosis
  • if you break a bone after age 50
  • if you’re a man age 50 to 59 or a postmenopausal woman under 65 with risk factors

Osteoporosis risk factors include:

  • use of tobacco and alcohol
  • use of corticosteroids and some other drugs
  • low body mass index
  • some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • physical inactivity
  • family history of osteoporosis
  • previous fractures
  • height loss of more than an inch
How do you prepare for a DEXA scan?

DEXA scans are usually outpatient procedures. There aren’t any special preparations needed, except to stop taking any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test.

Wear comfortable clothing. Depending on the body area being scanned, you may have to take off any clothes with metal fasteners, zippers, or hooks. The technician may ask you to remove any jewelry or other items, such as keys, that may contain metal. You may be given a hospital gown to wear during the exam.

Let your doctor know in advance if you’ve had a CT scan requiring use of a contrast material or had a barium exam. They may ask you to wait a few days before scheduling a DEXA scan.

You should let the doctor know if you’re pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. They may want to defer the DEXA scan until after you have the baby or take special precautions.

What’s the procedure like?

The DEXA apparatus includes a flat padded table that you lie on. A movable arm above holds the X-ray detector. A device that produces X-rays is below the table.

The technician will position you on the table. They may place a wedge under your knees to help flatten your spine for the image, or to position your hip. They may also position your arm for scanning.

The technician will ask you to hold very still while the imaging arm above slowly moves across your body. The X-ray radiation level is low enough to allow the technician to remain in the room with you while operating the device.

What do the results mean?

Your DEXA results will be read by a radiologist and given to you and your doctor in a few days.

The scoring system for the scan measures your bone loss against that of a healthy young adult, according to standards established by the WHO. This is called your T score. It’s the standard deviation between your measured bone loss and the average.

  • A score of -1 or above is considered normal.
  • A score between -1.1 and -2.4 is considered as osteopenia, increased risk for fracture.
  • A score of -2.5 and below is considered as osteoporosis, high risk for fracture.

Your results may also give you a Z score, which compares your bone loss to that of others in your age group.

The T score is a measure of relative risk, not a prediction that you’ll have a fracture.

Your doctor will go over the tests results with you. They’ll discuss whether treatment is necessary, and what your treatment options are. The doctor may want to follow up with a second DEXA scan in two years, to measure any changes.