A DEXA Scan or DEX scan is a bone density scan that helps the doctor or healthcare provider assess bone density.
It can also have uses in finding body composition like the percentage of lean muscle and fat.
Moreover, the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA scan uses two low-energy X-ray beams.
This allows the images to show both the soft tissue and bone densitometry of the patient.
In case the doctor needs to tell the patient about the low bone density or whether the condition is worsening, a DEXA scan is one of the most accurate than a typical X-ray.
This is because it can help detect even small changes in bone loss, according to the Radiological Society of North America.
The results can also help the doctor to find the risk of fractures in a patient.
Furthermore, doctors can also consider the DEXA scan to be more reliable than other methods of calculating body fat percentage, including underwater weighing.
Also, the results can help find the amount of visceral fat, that the body stores around certain internal organs.
Keep on reading.
Understanding DEXA scan and its Uses
DEXA stands for dual energy x ray absorptiometry uses beam of low dose of x rays, and the cost of a DEXA scan vary.
A DEXA scan can help to show whether the bone has lost density in the patient, and have a high risk of fracturing.
This can help the doctor to diagnose and assess osteoporosis which often causes the bones to become thin and become more fragile.
Diagnosing and treating osteoporosis early can help it from worsening and even help reduce the risk of fractures.
After the first DEXA scan, the doctor can schedule another in a few years to look for possible changes.
Moreover, these scans can help to indicate how effective osteoporosis treatments are.
This is because they can show whether the conditioning is staying the same, worsening, or improving.
According to the recommendations of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, females over the age of 65 and meals over the age of 70 should at least have one DEXA scan, a bone density test.
Furthermore, the ideal frequency may vary, depending on the results.
Patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis may need a scan every 1 or 2 years.
The foundation also recommends a scan for those who undergo menopause before the age of 65 and has any risk factors for low bone density.
These can include patients using steroid medications or with low body weight.
Overall, females tend to develop a loss of bone density more than males.
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When will a Doctor order DEXA?
The doctor can order a DEXA scan:
- if the patient is a woman aged over 65 or a male over 70, which according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and other medical groups
- the patient has the symptoms of osteoporosis
- patient breaks a bone after the age of 50
- if the patient is a male aged 50 to 59 or a postmenopausal female under 65 with risk factors
Moreover, osteoporosis risk factors are patients using tobacco and alcohol, using corticosteroids or other drugs, having low body mass index, the patient having a disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
While patients with physical inactivity, family history of osteoporosis, previous fractures, and height loss of more than an inch will need a DEXA scan.
Another reason why a doctor can ask for a DEXA scan is to measure body composition, lean muscle, and fat tissue.
It is important to note that the DEXA scan tends to be more accurate than the traditional body mass index, BMI, in determining excess fat.
A total body picture can help to assess weight loss or muscle strengthening.
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Preparing for DEXA Scan
DEXA scans are often outpatient procedures and there are no special preparations for patients’ needs.
Except, they need to stop taking calcium supplements 24 hours before the test.
Moreover, patients will need to wear. Depending on the body area that the doctor needs to scan, the patient may gave to take off any comfortable clothes with metal fasteners, zippers, or hooks.
The technician can also ask the patient to remove any jewelry or other items.
These can include keys, that may contain metal.
Patients may also be given a hospital gown to wear during the exam.
It is important to note that the patient should inform the doctor in advance if the patient has a CT scan that needs of contrast material or a barium exam.
They may ask the patient to wait a few days before scheduling a DEXA scan.
Furthermore, a patient should also let the doctor know if the patient is pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant.
Doctors can refer the DEXA scan to the patient until after the patient have a baby or take special precautions.
Procedure
The DEXA apparatus includes a flat padded table that the patient will lie on.
A movable arm holds the X-ray detector and the device that produces the X-ray is below the table.
The technician will position the patient on the table and they can place a wedge under the knees of the patient to help flatten their spine for the image.
Or to position their hip, or they may also position their arm for scanning.
Moreover, the technician will ask the patient to hold very still while the imaging arm above slowly moves across the body.
The x-ray radiation level is low enough to allow the technician to remain in the room with the patient while operating the device.
It is important to note that the whole process will just take a few minutes.
What do the Results Mean?
The DEXA results will be ready by the radiologists and they will give them to the patient and the doctor in a few days.
The scoring system for the scan will help to measure the bone loss against that of healthy young adults, according to the standards established by the WHO.
This is called the T score.
Moreover, it is the standard deviation between the measured bone loss and the average.
- a score of -1 or above is considered normal
- a score of -1.1 and -2.4 is considered osteopenia and increases the risk of fracture
- while a score of -2.5 and below is considered osteoporosis, a high risk for fracture
The results of the patient will also give the patient a Z score, which compares the bone loss to that of others in the same age group as the patient.
The T score is a measure of relative risk, not a prediction that the patient can have a fracture.
Furthermore, the doctor will also go over the test results with the patient.
They will discuss whether treatment is necessary, and what the treatment options are.
Also, the doctor will want to follow up with a second DEXA scan in two years, to measure any changes.
How Accurate is DEXA Scan?
Experts often consider a DEXA scan to be the most accurate test. or gold standard for measuring bone density.
Research suggests that a DEXA scan is the preferred method for measuring bone and body composition.
Moreover, this is largely due to the accuracy and precision of the scan.
Still, a DEXA may not be as useful for patients with irregular curvature of the spine or for patients who have had spinal surgery.
This is because these factors may interfere with the accuracy of the test.
Safety and Precations
The DEXA scan is generally safe for most patients.s
However, because it uses X-ray energy there is exposure to the amount of radiation.
As such, it is not advisable for pregnant people. Anyone who is or may be pregnant should discuss other options with the doctor.
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Cost of the Scan?
The cost of the scan depends on a number of factors like where the patient is living, where they have the scan, and whether they have health insurance that covers it.
According to an older from the American Board of Internal Medicine, with insurance coverage.
Moreover, Medicare Part B covers a DEXA scan once every 24 months or more if necessary for people with a certain risk factor.
However, a private insurance plan may also cover a DEXA scans under certain circumstances as part of the preventive benefits.
Outlook
If the results of the DEXA scan indicate osteopenia or osteoporosis, the doctor will discuss what the patient can do to slow down bone loss and stay healthy. Treatment can simply involve lifestyle changes. Moreover, the doctor will advise the patient to start weight-bearing exercises, balance exercises, strengthening exercises, or a weight loss program.
In case the patient has low vitamin D or calcium levels, they may ask them to take supplements. However, if the osteoporosis is more severe, the doctor may advise that the patient take one of the many drugs that help to strengthen bones and lessen the bone loss.
Furthermore, the patient should ask the doctor to ask about the side effects of any drug treatment. Making a lifestyle change or starting a medication to help slow the bone loss of the patient is a good investment in health and longevity. Studies suggest that 50% of women and 25% of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, NOF.
It is also helpful for the patient to be informed about new studies and possible new treatments. If the patient is interested in talking with other people who have osteoporosis, the NOF has support groups around the country.
