Medical Condition Library

Information Centers

Wellness Centers

Helpful Resources

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

(Bone Mineral Density Testing; DEXA; DXA; Central DXA; Peripheral DXA)

by Editorial Staff and Contributors

Home | Health Information Center | Procedure & Surgery Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Reasons for Test

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a test that measures the density of your bones.

The DEXA scan is an x-ray scan that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of different bones. These pictures are used to measure the density of the bones at the spine, hip, and forearm. It can also take pictures of other bones such as a finger or the heel. Measurements of the spine and hip are called central DXA. Those done on the arms or legs are called peripheral DXA. In some cases, your doctor may order a whole body scan.

Reasons for Test

This test will help your doctor assess the density of your bones. It will help determine if you have osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease. This information may be used to predict your risk of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis

Possible Complications

An x-ray uses radiation to make images. The low levels of radiation from a single x-ray will not affect most people. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor before the x-ray. Radiation may be harmful to developing babies.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Eat normally on the day of the test.
Wait up to 2 weeks before having a DEXA scan if you have had a barium study or if you have been injected with contrast dye for a CT scan or MRI scan.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not wear clothing with metal zippers, belts, or buttons.
If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, let the staff know.

Description of Test

Central DXA

Central DXA measures bone density in the hip and spine. You will be asked to lie on a table. Your position will depend on the area being examined. You will be asked to hold still and may be asked to hold your breath while the X-ray is taken. The X-ray will be taken and sent to a computer monitor.

Peripheral DXA

Peripheral DXA measures bone density in the finger, hand, forearm, or foot. The area being examined will be placed in a small device. The device will provide a bone density reading in a few minutes.

After Test

You will be able to leave after the test is done.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Results

The test results are usually available within a few days. Your test results will show 2 types of scores:

T score—This number shows the amount of bone you have in comparison to a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass. A score above -1 is considered normal. A score between -1 and -2.5 may mean you have osteopenia, the first stage of bone loss. A score below -2.5 means you may have osteoporosis.
Z score—This number shows the amount of bone you have in comparison to other people of your age group, gender, and race. A score below -2 is considered abnormal.

These test results will help your doctor determine your risk for bone fractures.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any questions about your condition, the test, or your test results.

RESOURCES:

National Osteoporosis Foundation
https://www.nof.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
https://orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Osteoporosis Canada
https://osteoporosis.ca

References:

ACR-SPR-SSR practice parameter for the performance of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Available at: https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/dxa.pdf. Updated 2013.

Bone densitometry (DEXA). Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dexa&bhcp=1. Updated May 30, 2016. Accessed April 3, 2018.

Cosman F, de Beur SJ, LeBoff MS, et al. Clinician's guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Int. 2014;25(10):2359-2381.

Osteoporosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113815/Osteoporosis . Updated February 1, 2018. Accessed April 3, 2018.

Sartoris D, Dalinka MK, Alazraki N. Osteoporosis and bone mass measurement. Radiology. 2000;215(suppl):397-414.

Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 2/20/2014

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.