Services
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
Bone densitometry is also known as a bone density scan or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). It is a procedure that examines the health of your bones by measuring their mineral content.
Bone Densitometry General Questions
Patient Guide
How to prepare for your bone density scan
- Unless instructed otherwise, please eat meals as normal on your appointment day, but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Please dress in clothing items that don’t have zippers, buttons, grommets or any metal.
- Please ensure you have not had a barium study, radioisotope injection, or oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT scan or MRI within seven days before your DEXA test.
What to expect during your scan
- A DEXA scan is a painless, easy and precise test and usually takes 15–30 minutes. It’s a safe test as the radiation dose is very low.
- During your test, our technician will ask you to lie on your back in two different positions while the scanner passes over areas of your body. The test uses x-rays to measure your bone density and produces images for your referrer.
- If you’d like more information about this test, we recommend reading our blog, Why do I need a DEXA scan?
Our bone densitometry/DEXA locations
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