How do you prepare for a DEXA scan?

DEXA scans are usually outpatient procedures. There aren’t any special preparations needed, except to stop taking any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing. Depending on the body area being scanned, you may have to take off any clothes with metal fasteners, zippers, or hooks.

Do you have to get undressed for a bone density test?

In most cases, you do not need to undress. This scan is the best test to predict your risk for fractures, especially of the hip.

Can you wear a bra for a DEXA scan?

Patients should not have had a barium study, radioisotope injection, or an oral or IV contrast material from a CT scan or MRI within 7 days prior to their DEXA exam. Patient should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat suits and casual attire without zippers, buttons, grommets, metal hooks, or underwire bra.

How long do DEXA scan results take?

You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks. Waiting for test results can be a worrying time. You might have the contact details for a specialist nurse, you can contact them for information if you need to.

What should you not do before a DEXA scan?

You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal. Objects such as keys or wallets that would be in the area being scanned should be removed.

Can you eat or drink before a DEXA scan?

Can I eat before a DEXA scan? Similar to water intake, consuming any type of food, including a full meal, prior to your scan will not have any impact on your DEXA scan results.

What age should a woman get a bone density test?

Bone density tests are recommended for all women age 65 and older, and for younger women at higher-than-normal risk for a fracture. Men may want to discuss osteoporosis screening with their doctor if they’re over age 70 or at high risk for thinning bones.

What happens if your bone density is low?

A person may have low bone mass at any age but not develop osteoporosis. However, if a person has low bone mass and continues to lose bone density, this may lead to osteoporosis. A combination of low bone mass and a risk factor for fracture may increase your risk for broken bones, too.

Do you have to take your clothes off for a bone scan?

No special preparations are needed. You may be able to remain fully clothed, depending on the area of your body being scanned. But you’ll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown.

Is a bone scan and DEXA scan the same thing?

Keep in mind that a bone scan is a different test than a bone density study (such as DEXA), which evaluates bone strength and your risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

What do you need to know about the DEXA scan?

Preparation. Procedure. Results. Outlook. A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

How long does it take for a bone density scan?

This information will be used to produce an image of the scanned area. The scan usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll be able to go home after you have had it done. A bone density scan compares your bone density with the bone density expected for a young healthy adult or a healthy adult of your own age, gender and ethnicity.

When to get a DEXA bone density test?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends people at average risk get a DEXA scan starting at 65 (women) and 70 (men). Family history: If one or more family members have had osteoporosis or more than one fracture, you could be at a higher risk for bone loss.

What do the results of a DXA scan show?

DXA Scan Results. For the results of your scan, you’ll get a T-score. It shows how much higher or lower your bone density is than that of a healthy 30-year-old, the age when bones are at their strongest. The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: Sometimes doctors will give you another DXA scan result — a Z score.