Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

Bone densitometry is also known as a bone density scan or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). It is a procedure that examines the health of your bones by measuring their mineral content.

Bone Densitometry General Questions

What is bone densitometry (BMD/DEXA)?

Bone densitometry is also known as a bone density scan or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). It is a procedure that examines the health of your bones by measuring their mineral content.

The test uses a small dose of ionising radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lumbar spine, hips and occasionally the wrist) to measure bone loss. Bone densitometry is the most commonly used procedure to diagnose osteoporosis in its earliest stages and the potential risk for bone fractures.

Patient Guide

How to prepare for your bone density scan

Unless instructed otherwise, please eat meals as normal on your appointment day, but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Please dress in clothing items that don’t have zippers, buttons, grommets or any metal.
Please ensure you have not had a barium study, radioisotope injection, or oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT scan or MRI within seven days before your DEXA test.

What to expect during your scan

A DEXA scan is a painless, easy and precise test and usually takes 15–30 minutes. It’s a safe test as the radiation dose is very low.
During your test, our technician will ask you to lie on your back in two different positions while the scanner passes over areas of your body. The test uses x-rays to measure your bone density and produces images for your referrer.
If you’d like more information about this test, we recommend reading our blog, Why do I need a DEXA scan?