Bone Densitometry
Learn your bone strength to help you live at your best.
A bone density scan, also known as a dual-energy X-ray absorption (DEXA) or bone densitometry test, is a type of specialty nuclear medicine that measures the strength of your bones. A bone density scan is more precise than traditional diagnostic imaging, like X-rays.
Schedule Your Imaging Appointment.
What a Bone Density Scan Is Used to Diagnose
A bone density test (DEXA scan) can help you and your care team discover if you have bone loss early, before it becomes severe.
Your DEXA scan measures the density of the bone in various parts of your body. Your bone density results will then be compared with the peak bone mass of a healthy adult of your same sex to determine how strong your bones are.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
Your provider may recommend a bone density test if you have high osteoporosis risk factors like:
- Close relative (like father or grandmother) with osteoporosis or bone fractures
- Low body weight, slight build, or light complexion
- Caucasian or Asian heritage
- Early menopause (before the age of 45), naturally or surgically
- Use of medication (over a long period of time) that accelerates bone loss, such as corticosteroids or some anti-seizure medications
- Previous bone breaks that may be the result of thinning bones
- History of cigarette smoking or heavy drinking
What to Expect
- Remove anything that could have metal in it, including dentures, wigs, hearing aids, jewelry, belts, zips, hooks, buckles, hair ornaments, watches, studs, keys, and coins.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown during your exam.
- Unless your care team tells you otherwise, you:
- Generally don't need to take any steps to prepare for this procedure
- May eat and take your medications normally on the day of your scan
A DEXA scan typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
The machine's detector will slowly pass over the area scanned. You will lie still:
- Spine: flat on your back with your legs elevated.
- Hips: on your back with your legs outstretched. Both hips will be scanned, unless you have had a hip replacement; then the hip without replacement will be scanned.
If both your hips have been replaced, only your spine will be scanned.
- This is exam is generally painless and non-invasive.
- You will not be enclosed nor confined, nor your face covered, at any time.
- Unless your care team tells you otherwise, you will not need to recover — you can go about your normal activities as usual right after the exam.
Tell your care team if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. They may suggest a different exam, such as an MRI or ultrasound.
It is important that you keep your scheduled imaging appointment. If you will be late due to an emergency, please call our scheduling team as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule.
Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Referral form from your doctor
- Current insurance card
- Contact information
- Payment (if applicable)
Be sure to take advantage of Novant Health’s many free healthcare cost planning resources, including financial navigators.
A radiologist will review your medical images and report their findings to your doctor 24 to 72 hours after your exam. Your doctor will contact you to discuss your results.
Take advantage of Novant Health MyChart to:
- View your imaging results as soon as they’re available
- Contact your doctor
- Schedule appointments
Your Well-Being Is Our Priority.
If you have any anxiety about your imaging procedure, reach out to your care team. Novant Health's experienced providers are ready to listen and help put you at ease.
Find Imaging Centers Near You.
The care team referring you for imaging may help you set up your appointment at a particular location. You can also choose to schedule your imaging appointment at the imaging center most convenient to you. Visit individual imaging center websites to learn which specific types of imaging are offered at or to schedule at that location.
Referring a Patient?
If you're a referring physician or healthcare professional, we can help you find the right specialist, programs and services for your patient.