Why is this procedure done?
Bone density test may also be called DXA or DEXA. This stands for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. It is a test that measures the thickness of your bones. A special machine that gives off very little radiation takes pictures of the bones. These pictures show how strong your bones are. They may also show bone loss or how treatment is working. Some DEXA machines take pictures of the hips and low back. Others take pictures of your wrist, fingers, leg, or heel. ‚
Your doctor may order a bone density test if you: ‚
- Are a woman who is 65 or older
- Are a man who is 70 or older
- Are postmenopausal
- Have signs of bone loss like lost height
- Have problems with your thyroid, diabetes, or arthritis
- Broke a bone easily in the past
- Take drugs that cause bone loss like steroids
- Have family members who broke a hip easily or have bone loss
- Are taking drugs to treat bone loss to see how well they are working
What will the results be?
DXA will show pictures of your bones. Your doctor will be able to tell how strong and thick your bones are. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you are or may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
- Other tests that you have had in the past week. These include barium study, CT scan, MRI, or other tests that used contrast dye. You will have to wait at least 7 days before you have the DXA test if you had any of these tests.
- Wear loose clothes. Do not wear clothing with metal zippers, belts, and buttons.
- You may be asked to take off your watch, jewelry, hearing aids, and other metal objects.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on an exam table. An x-ray machine scans one or all parts of your body.
- If the scan is of your heel, wrist, or finger, you will place the body part in a small machine.
- The staff may ask you to move into different positions while pictures are taken. It is important that you stay still during the test. The staff will tell you when you can move again.
- X-ray pictures of your bones are taken. This will allow your doctor to measure bone thickness.
- The test takes 5 to 10 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after your test.
What care is needed at home?
You do not need to do anything differently when you get home. You can return to your normal activities. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- You will need to see your doctor to go over the results. The results tell your doctor if you have any bone loss. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
A bone density test does not cause any problems. It is safe and painless. ‚
Where can I learn more?
RadiologyInfo ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dexa ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚