What is a DEXA scan machine? What kind of training?

February 16, 2010

DEXA, the abbreviated form of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a medical procedure in which a person is exposed to special X-ray beams of varying intensities in order to detect the loss of bone minerals in their body. The capacity of the soft tissue of the body to absorb radiation is accounted for and subtracted from the readings of a DEXA scan, and thereby the bone mineral density is calculated. It is one of the most effective and popular means of diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, which mostly affects elderly women, patients of arthritis, people with fragile bones and habitual smokers and drinkers. Since this procedure involves exposure to merely a tenth of the radiation that is used in a standard X-ray reading, and is much more accurate in detecting loss of bone tissue in early stages, DEXA scan is useful in estimating the risk of osteoporosis better than other procedures, as well as monitoring a patient’s response to treatment for bone mineral loss.

The scan is absolutely painless and does not require any prior precautions. You should let your doctor know if you have had back or hip surgeries before, as this might be needed to be factored in while evaluating your test scores. Also, DEXA scan is generally avoided during pregnancy so you must inform your doctor if you think you might be pregnant. In addition, the consumption of medicines and mineral supplements meant for treating weakness and corrosion of bones may have to be temporarily discontinued (for a couple of days at most) in order that the test results are accurate and that the most appropriate treatment is followed. Before the scanning begins, the patient is asked to change into loose garments and take off metal jewelry, watches and belts so that they do not interfere with the readings. She is made to lie flat and still on a table and the scanning machine moves over the body in a downward direction, starting from the head and coming down to the hips and the legs. Generally, the readings are taken when the area around the hips and the legs are exposed to radiation. If you are overweight, the readings may also be taken by exposing the arms to the radiation. Each site of the body is exposed to the radiation for around 10 minutes and the whole procedure takes between 30 to 40 minutes. The results are generally mailed to the patient in a couple of days.

Submitted by M H on February 16, 2010 at 03:06

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