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Dexa Scan Bone Density Test



 Submitted by Medical Health Test Team on June 28, 2010
Dexa Scan Bone Density Test

Definition: The bone density scan is called by various names – DXA scan or densitometry, or more commonly Dexa scan bone density test. This test is non-invasive and helps to determine whether you suffer from, or are at risk of suffering from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition when the bones become weak, fragile and brittle, and break or fracture easily.

In earlier days, osteoporosis was detected only after someone broke a bone. But now the Dexa scan bone density test helps to diagnose the condition, and is widely used by people who are thought to be at risk from osteoporosis. If the bone density scan reveals a case of osteoporosis, doctors are able to start special medication to strengthen the bones and also to prevent further weakening.

The Dexa scan bone density test is also used by doctors to monitor the improvement in a person, once treatment for osteoporosis has been started.  It also helps show up a condition called osteopenia, where bone density is below normal and shows signs of leading to osteoporosis.

Remember that a Dexa scan bone density test is not the same as a bone scan.

Who should take the test: You should get a Dexa scan bone density test done if you are a post-menopausal woman, or older than 65 years of age, and have stopped hormone or estrogen therapy. The test is also advised for men who are over the age of 70 and have certain risk factors for osteoporosis. Older people who have very low body weight, have any family histories of osteoporosis or fractures after age of 40, and also those who take medicines such as steroids which cause bone loss, should also get a Dexa test.

How it’s done: The Dexa scan bone density test is painless, quick and very easily done, and is sometimes even available at your local drugstore. The test is done on bones that have greater risk of breaking due to osteoporosis, like bones of the wrist and forearm, the lower spine ones, the narrow neck of the femur (thigh bone) where it joins with the hip. There are two types of test devices – a central device or a peripheral device.

Central device: In this, you lie on a padded table and the central device which is a large machine passes an arm-like device over you (without touching). This test which takes about 10 minutes, is used to measure bone density at the spine or hip, and offers very precise results.

Peripheral device: This is a smaller and portable machine to measure bone density in the peripheral areas such as the wrist, fingers and heels.

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