Bone Densitometry
- Bone densitometry is a test like an X-ray run by the specialists that is used to measure the bone density. It is sometimes called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA.
- Bone density, or bone mineral density, is the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue.
- It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, to assess an individual’s risk for developing osteoporotic fractures.
Procedure:
- DXA is simple, quick and noninvasive.
- This exam requires little to no special preparation.
- It uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lower (or lumbar) spine and hips) to measure bone loss.
Advantages:
- Simple, quick and non-invasive procedure.
- No anesthesia is required.
- The amount of radiation used is extremely small—less than one-tenth the dose of a standard chest x-ray, and less than a day’s exposure to natural radiation.
Side effect and precautions:
- There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
- Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.