What is a bone density scan?
A bone density scan, also called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan, uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break. This type of scan often takes less than 30 minutes and is noninvasive.
What conditions does a bone density scan help diagnose?
A bone density scan is most commonly used to determine your risk for bone fractures, detect the onset of osteoporosis, or monitor the treatment of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis occurs when your body is not able to keep up with production of new bone tissue to replace old bone tissue. This causes your bones to become weak and brittle. Breaks and fractures in your bones (most commonly hip, wrist and spine) can be caused by simply bumping into things or even coughing.
Though osteoporosis can impact anyone, risk factors are heightened for those assigned female at birth and those who experience early menopause.
Osteoporosis symptoms include:
- Loss of height
- Back pain
- Stooped posture
- Easily broken bones
How should I prepare for a bone density scan?
Bone density scans are quick, easy and virtually painless, so little preparation is required.
Your doctor may encourage you to avoid taking calcium supplements 24 hours ahead of the exam. It’s also important to let your doctor know if you may be pregnant, recently had a barium exam, or received an injection of contrast material (for something such as a CT or radioisotope scan).
What should I expect during a bone density scan?
The day of your bone density scan, leave any jewelry or other metal objects at home. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. For the test, you’ll lie on a table and a scanner will pass over your body. This machine will send X-rays through bones in your lower spine and hips (and potential forearm) to measure mineral amounts in your bone. The amount of radiation you're exposed to is very low, much less than the amount emitted during a chest X-ray. The test usually takes around 10 to 30 minutes.
What happens after my bone density scan?
After your bone density scan, you’ll receive a score, which is a combination of a “T” score and a “Z” score. Your specially trained radiologist will consult with your provider for any follow-up care needed.
Why you should choose The Iowa Clinic for your bone density scan:
When you choose The Iowa Clinic for your bone density scan, you are choosing a collaborative, interconnected healthcare team dedicated to supporting your care journey. We communicate closely across departments and disciplines to ensure a smooth and streamlined experience from diagnosis to treatment. Choose the Iowa Clinic for a professional and empathetic healthcare experience tailored to your unique needs.