Dexa
Sun Radiology
Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, and Musculoskeletal Radiologist in Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ
DEXA is a special type of X-ray that allows your radiologist to measure bone loss. At Sun Radiology, Manntej Sra, MD, a board-certified radiologist, and the team use DEXA scans to check and monitor osteoporosis and other diseases that cause bone loss. They have four convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. If you need a bone density scan, call your nearest office or make an appointment online today.
Dexa Q & A
A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, which is also sometimes called a bone density scan or bone densitometry, is a type of advanced X-ray that measures bone loss.
A DEXA machine sends a low dose of radiation with two distinct peaks through your body. Your bones absorb one peak and your soft tissue the other.
The computer measures the absorption rate and subtracts the soft tissue amount from the total, and the remainder represents your bone mineral density.
This number allows your radiologist to measure and monitor your bone density and check for signs of bone loss.
The most common use of a DEXA scan is to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis. However, your doctor may also recommend a DEXA scan if you:
- Have lost more than an inch of height
- Have unexplained back pain
- Have a thyroid or parathyroid condition
- Have Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
- Use medications such as corticosteroids or antiseizure medicines known to cause bone loss
- Are a post-menopausal woman
- Have a personal or maternal history of hip fractures
- Have had a fracture from a mild trauma
Your risk of osteoporosis and bone loss increases if you have a history of smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, if you’ve had hormone-blocking treatments for cancer, you have a higher chance of bone loss.
As women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, Sun Radiology offers DEXA scans and mammograms to support women’s wellness exams.
In most cases, you won’t need to do anything special to prepare for a DEXA scan. Don’t take any calcium supplements, antacids, vitamins, or a prescription for osteoporosis for 24 hours before your scan.
You should expect to spend around 30 minutes at Sun Radiology for your scan, but you can return to your regular activities as soon as your procedure is complete.
You can wear your regular clothing as long as it doesn’t have any metal zippers, buttons, or other fastenings that could interfere with the clarity of your scan.
During the scan, you rest on an examination table, under the DEXA equipment. You must stay very still during the scan, and your technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds.
If you need a DEXA scan, call Sun Radiology or make an appointment online today.
