Dexa MachineDEXA

DEXA (Bone Density Scanning)

West Suburban Women's Health has a state of the art bone density scanner on site. It is a quick and painless X-Ray scan of the Lumbar vertebrae and hip. These two locations provide valuable information regarding the health and strength of your bones. Results are received within the day and you and your physician are able to discuss the results and determine a course of action that needs to be taken to prevent bone loss.

What is Dexa Scanning?

Dual Energy X-ray Absortiometry, or DEXA scanning, is currently the most widely used method to measure bone mineral density. For the test, a patient will lay down on an examining table, and the scanner rapidly directs x-ray energy from two different sources towards the bone being examined in an alternating fashion at a set frequency.

DEXA scanning more precisely documents small changes in bone mass and is also more flexible since it can be used to examine both the spine and the extremities. A scan of the spine, hip or the total body requires only one, two or four minutes respectively. Qualitative computed tomography (QCT) is the only technique that can directly measure bone density and volume but can distinguish trabecular from cortical bone. DEXA scanning is less expensive, exposes the patient to less radiation and is more sensitive and accurate at measuring subtle changes in bone density over time or in response to drug therapy than is QCT.

How are the results of DEXA Scanning Helpful?

Studies using DEXA scanning have shown that people with osteoporosis have substantially lower bone density measurements than normal, age-matched people. Bone mineral density is widely accepted as a good indicator of bone strength. Thus low values can be compared against standard bone density measurements and help predict a patient's risk for fracture based upon the DEXA scan measurements.

Who should have a DEXA scan?

  • Estrogen deficiency in women at clinical risk for osteoporosis
  • Evidence of verbal abnormalities
  • Long Term Steroid Use
  • Patients with Hyperparathyroidism
  • People who with Gorhams (vanishing bone disease) also known as Lymphangiomatosis

How should I prepare for my DEXA scan?

For the DEXA examination, wear clothing that does not have any metals (snaps, zippers, buckles, etc) from your shoulders to your knees. It is important that you have not had a barium study, radiostope injection (nuclear medicine), oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT or MRI within seven days prior to your DEXA test.