Get Dexa Guidelines 2020-2024

A bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) your bones are. You may also hear it called a DEXA scan. Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess your risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.

For your first DEXA scan a referral needs to be made by your general practitioner or attending hospital doctor to appointments@ dexalimerick.ie. Subsequent scans may be booked by the consultant in the osteoporosis service depending on perceived risk from previous scans.

A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, also called a bone density scan, is a common technique used to measure bone density. This completely painless procedure is easily performed and exposes the patient to minimal radiation. A bone density scan or DEXA scan takes approximately 15 minutes.

The bone density scan During the scan, a large scanning arm will be passed over your body to measure bone density in the centre of the skeleton. As the scanning arm is moved slowly over your body, a narrow beam of low-dose X-rays will be passed through the part of your body being examined.

Virtually no preparation is needed. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test.

There is minimal preparation before having your DEXA Scan. You must not take any calcium supplements (includes prescription and over-to-counter) the day of your DEXA scan. Wear loose and comfortable clothing with no metal. Remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the study.

A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. Your risk is increased if you: have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury. have a health condition, such as arthritis, that can lead to low bone density.

A bone density study uses low-dose X-rays to help detect osteoporosis. Before Your Test. Don't take any multi-vitamins, calcium supplements or for 24 hours before your test. ... During Your Test. The test is performed while you lie or sit on a table. ... After Your Test. Contact your doctor to discuss your test results.