Hastings Imaging Center
2207 Osborne Drive West
Hastings, NE 68901
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Bone Density Testing With DEXA
Bone Densitometry (dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry or DEXA) is considered to be "The Gold Standard" diagnosing osteoporosis or bone loss. Osteoporosis is a condition that more often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men. Bones become thin and brittle, which makes them susceptible to fractures. A DEXA scan can be used to assess a patient’s risk for developing fractures and determine if treatment is needed.
At Hastings Imaging Center, This advanced training assures you of the most accurate bone density assessment. The technologists performing the bone density exams have advanced certification through the American Association of Registered Technologists and the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.
Bone Density Testing is recommended if you:
- Have a family history
- Are female
- Have low calcium intake
- Have low dietary vitamin D intake
- Have low estrogen levels
- Are small or thin body build
- Have a low activity level
- Have an eating disorder
- Have a history of smoking
- Have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism
- Use medications that are known to cause bone loss (steroids, seizure medications, some medications used in the treatment of breast cancer, etc.)
- Have a disease or condition associated with bone loss (hyperparathyroidism, testicular dysfunction, etc.)
The DEXA scan:
- The DEXA exam will take approximately 15 minutes
- You will lie on a table while a scanner moves over you.
- The technologist will scan the lumbar spine, a hip, and a forearm.
- Each scan takes 15-30 seconds during which you will be asked to hold still.
Instructions for the procedure
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing; avoiding zippers, snaps, belts, or buttons. You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and wear a gown during the exam if any of the clothing interferes with the x-ray image.
- You should not take calcium supplements for 24-48 hours before the exam.
- Inform your physician if you have had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material (i.e., for a CT scan). You will have to wait 10-14 days before having a DEXA scan.
- X-ray is used to perform a DEXA scan, so please inform your physician if there is any possibility of pregnancy. Even though the exposure with a DEXA scan is very minimal, precautions must be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the fetus.
Download Bone Density Questionnaire
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