 |
|
Medical Health Tests >>
Ask a question >>
Medical Tests |
About the DEXA scan?
(14 Feb 2010)
|
(Only for registered users! Login OR Sign Up in just 30 seconds) |
DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. It is one of the most common methods of determining bone mineral density. This procedure is sometimes also employed to measure the overall body composition in terms of distribution of fat. A DEXA scan is usually recommended to diagnose and monitor cases of osteoporosis or ostepenia, as well as for analyzing the body’s response to medical treatment of these ailments. There are several benefits of the DEXA scan over more conventional methods of measuring bone density. For instance, a normal X-ray reveals corrosion of bones only when there is 20 to 30 percent loss in mineral density, whereas a DEXA scan can help detect bone loss at a very early stage, and thereby make it possible to begin treatment before the damage becomes irreparable. DEXA scan also involves. DEXA scan involves exposure to much lesser radiation than a traditional radiographic absorptiometry would require. This procedure is also less expensive compared to other methods of detecting bone mineral loss. Women who have attained menopause, people who have a history of multiple fractures, patients of rheumatoid arthritis and heavy smokers and drinkers are at a higher risk than others of suffering from osteoporosis and are therefore commonly recommended to go through the DEXA test.
The actual procedure involves exposing a part of the body to two distinct X-ray beams that differ in the intensity of energy. Since the process in non-invasive, the patient does not need to take any special precautions or preparations before or during the test. However, if you are already on medication for bone loss ailments, your doctor would ask you to stop consume these medicines a couple of days before the test. Consumption of calcium supplements also has to be stopped 48 hours before the test is conducted. Pregnant women are advised not to undergo this test. During the test, the patient is asked to take of metallic jewelry or other accessories like watches and belts in order that these do not interfere with the readings of the test. Wearing loose garments is also recommended. You should also inform your doctor beforehand if you have had a hip-bone or back surgery in the past, since these are the regions that are most commonly subjected to the X-ray beams for obtaining the readings. The test results are generally available between a day or two and indicate accurately the extent of bone mineral loss.
|
|
answered by M T on 14 Feb 2010, 10:46:09
|
|
|
|
Read more questions in Medical Tests
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
