DEXA Bone Densitometry: The Best Way to Diagnose Osteoporosis

If you concern about the health of your bones, chances are you’ve heard of DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) bone densitometry, whether you know it by its full name or not. With more people at risk of osteoporosis, it’s essential to keep abreast of the latest technologies and practices in preventing and treating this condition. The purpose of this guide is to explain what DEXA bone densitometry is and how it can use to identify and manage osteoporosis risks.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis a progressive disease characterize by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. Which leads to enhance bone fragility and increase risk of fracture. Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, race, gender, body weight, family history, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise and smoking. Healthy eating habits combine with regular exercise can play a role in preventing or lessening osteoporosis. Physicians often use DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) to diagnose bone density because it  considers a highly accurate technology for measuring bone loss in both men and women.

What Is Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)?

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a method of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) that creates a digital image of your bones. DEXA is often called the gold standard for determining bone health because it has been used for years as an accurate, reliable tool. It allows your doctor to measure BMD in specific regions of your body with high precision, and it can be used to diagnose osteoporosis or low bone mass. And because it doesn’t use radiation, there are no side effects or exposure risks. In fact, DEXA is extremely safe—so much so that you can get your scan done while you are awake without receiving any anesthesia or sedation!

How Does DEXA Scanning Work?

A DEXA scan takes only a few minutes and is usually done in an outpatient clinic or doctor’s office. The scan measures bone density by shooting x-rays at your bones. It then calculates how much of your bone is made up of both cortical (hard, outer layer) and trabecular (spongy, inner layer) bone. Giving you a detail picture of your total body composition. Doctors also use a DEXA scan as an effective alternative to other testing methods that don’t provide as much detail or take longer to process. For example, if you diagnos with osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it, your doctor may recommend a DEXA scan over other tests like dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which uses lower levels of radiation and can perform more quickly. This means you can get results within just 24 hours rather than waiting several weeks for results from a DXA test.

How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost?

Although prices may vary from clinic to clinic, a basic DEXA scan typically costs anywhere between $40 and $200. If you consider at high risk for osteoporosis. Insurance coverage is more likely. You can also ask about volume discounts or package pricing. If you plan on getting multiple tests in one session. Check with your doctor or an employee at your local radiology center for more information about the cost and how it might cover by your insurance provider. How Does a DEXA Scan Work?: A bone density test works by measuring bone mineral content using low-dose x-rays that help detect whether bones are normal. Weakened or brittle.

This noninvasive procedure can perform either manually or using an automate machine (also known as a DXA scanner). During manual testing, technicians move around the body while taking measurements; however, automate machines provide instant results. Once you step into its chamber. Both methods have their pros. And cons depending on what kind of test being performe. Therefore, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor before scheduling any appointments.

Will I Need Any Special Preparation Before My First Exam?

In order to ensure that your first exam is pain-free, you’ll need to make sure you come prepare. Before your appointment, be sure that you avoid anything with caffeine—that includes coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks. Also, please don’t wear any deodorant or lotion—these substances can affect a scan’s accuracy. Be sure that all jewelry removes from your body—not only will these items interfere with accuracy but they can also be dangerous if they allow inside of an x-ray machine. In addition, please bring a photo ID and insurance card with you so we can verify coverage on your visit!

What Do I Wear During the Test?

Many people may have heard of DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) but are unfamiliar with how to use. Basically, you’ll lie down on a table while an x-ray machine will move over your body. At each location, your bone mineral density measure twice and then enter into a computer. Afterward, a technician will use software to interpret your results and determine if any changes need to be made. Generally speaking, people instruct not to wear clothing containing metal but should otherwise wear as little as possible.

What Happens After the Test?

After you undergo a DEXA scan. Your results will be sent to your doctor for further interpretation. Depending on your age and health condition. You may require additional bone density tests in order to gain a more complete picture of your bone loss. If all goes well. You will inform of whether or not. You osteoporosis and what treatment options are available for you.

Finally, it’s important that if any medication prescrib after DEXA scanning. That you follow up with your doctor’s instructions very carefully in order avoid severe complications. For example, if you diagnose with osteoporosis due to taking certain medications or being expose to x-rays at work. Then it’s vital that you discontinue taking these items before undergoing a DEXA scan. The best way to stay safe is by following all medical advice provide by your doctor as they know exactly how each type of test works.And how to ensure its safety. To get start today on finding out whether or not. You have osteoporosis using DEXA scanning contact Alamogordo Radiology today!

Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Dexa Scanning?

Dexa scanning is an excellent diagnostic tool. However, it’s important to know that a DEXA scan is not a replacement for traditional tests use to evaluate osteoporosis. Including bone mineral density (BMD) testing. While DEXA can consider an improvement on BMD testing and CT scanning. Both of which are invasive. DEXA presents some drawbacks as well. For example, it does not detect fractures or measure changes in trabecular bone quality. Still, due to its accuracy and ability to provide comprehensive information about bone health status—data that can’t capture using other methods—the technology often use by doctors who work with patients with osteoporosis or those at risk for developing it.

Conclusion

DEXA bone densitometry most effective when combine with professional training and therapy. A test dose isn’t enough. It must follow up with proper treatment and care for long-term relief from osteoporosis symptoms. For example, following your test you may learn that you low bone density and at high risk of breaking bones. Though that’s not ideal. Don’t immediately try to reach out to your doctor right away—there is still much work to do. Before an osteoporosis diagnosis can make. With proper diet, exercise, medication (if need). And especially continue treatment after diagnosis (hint: prescription strength calcium is a major player here) you can achieve healthy bone levels once again!