DEXA Scan for Bone Density
What is a DEXA scan?
The DEXA scan is widely regarded as being one of the most proven and reliable technologies for measuring bone density. A standard DEXA bone density scan with a Fitnescity partner involves lying still for 10-15 minutes while the machine’s arm moves back and forth over your body to develop images of segmented skeletal regions. A DEXA bone density scan can be used to obtain an initial bone density assessment and to understand how your bone density is changing over time. Bones containing more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break. Bones can become less dense as we age, due to certain lifestyle choices, or medical conditions. When too much bone is lost, osteoporosis can develop. Tracking your bone density allows you to make proactive decision on how to maintain or improve your bone density.
Find a DEXA bone density scan near you:
Shop DEXAYour bone density test measures how strong your bones are. DEXA bone density scans can help you understand your risk of breaking a bone in the future and track the changes in your bone density over time.
How does a DEXA bone density scan work?
DEXA, or Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, is one of the most proven and reliable technologies for measuring body composition and is capable of collecting segmental fat, lean, and bone measurements in just 15 minutes.*
The Technology
The DEXA scan is a large table with a C-Arm that moves back and forth scanning the body from head to toe. It emits photons that attenuate at two different energy levels, allowing the machine to distinguish between soft tissues and bone mass. Because of the difference in density between bone, fat, and lean mass, the unique combination of frequencies form the full-body image and analysis.
DEXA scans have a high degree of accuracy, but even more notable is their precision. The true value of a DEXA is the ability to track small (and large) changes in body composition and distribution over time. DEXA scans are highly comparable, but it is important to always test on the same machine for best results.
Please note that DEXA scans do subject you to small amounts of radiation. A whole body scan produces a level of radiation equivalent to flying by airplane from New York to California.
Your Appointment
What happens during your appointment? You will arrive to the test center 15 minutes prior to your appointment having followed the proper pre-test protocols. Upon arrival, the center will provide any necessary paperwork and bring you back to their testing space. After removing all metal (jewelry, zippers, etc.), you will lie down on the table and a technician will help position your body to get the best image. The C-Arm will move up and down your body for about 10-15 minutes until it's captured a complete image.** Some locations may provide a gown to be worn for the duration of scanning.
What are the benefits of a DEXA bone density scan?
Unlike an x-ray, the DEXA scan can measure very small changes or reductions in bone density. These measurements make it possible to identify potential risk of osteoporosis early or your risk of fracture before you break a bone. Knowing this information about your body is crucial for optimizing your wellness, preventing disease, and tracking change over time.
Improve your bone mineral density.
There are standard reasons a bone density scan might be recommended. Some examples are if you have broken a bone after a minor fall or injury, have a known health condition that can result in lower bone density, are a woman who has had early menopause or are postmenopausal, and drink or smoke heavily or have a family history of hip fractures. However, it is becoming more common for people to be curious what their bone density measurement is because there are ways to improve your bone density.
The DEXA bone density scan is a great monitoring tool because it allows you to see where your bone density is and how it is changing. Common ways to improve bone density are eating a healthy diet that is high in calcium, spending more time in the sun to help increase your vitamin D levels, or starting weight-bearing exercises.
After your DEXA bone density scan you should review your results with your primary care physician to discuss ways to improve your bone density measurement that will be most effective.
How do I prepare for a DEXA bone density scan?
Follow the proper DEXA scan guidelines to ensure accuracy:
- Do not wear any items with metal or hard plastic, such as buttons or zippers. Inform the technician if you have metal in your body. Some locations may provide a gown to be worn for the duration of scanning.
- Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to testing.
- Best practice is to perform a four-hour fast prior to testing.
- Arrive hydrated to your test.
- Refrain from this test if you believe you may be pregnant.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym attire.
How often should I test?
DEXA scans have a high degree of accuracy, but even more notable is their precision. Their true value is the ability to track small (and large) changes in body composition and distribution over time. DEXA scans are highly comparable, but it is important to always test on the same machine for best results.
How often you should test depends on the intensity of your training/nutrition plan. We typically recommend testing every 3, 6, or 9 months:
If you are just trying to maintain your current body composition, testing every 6 or 9 months to ensure you’re on track is sufficient.
If you are starting a new fitness plan, training for a race, cutting for a show, or trying to improve your wellness in any way, we recommend testing more frequently to ensure you are on track for your goals and not experiencing any unexpected side effects. Depending on the intensity of your training and your goal timeline, we recommend testing every 3-6 months.
Combining Tests for Best Results
A common problem people experience when trying to change their body composition, is not fully understanding how diet and exercise affect muscle growth and metabolism. Cutting calories too much or overexercising can sometimes have the opposite effect you’d expect: Metabolism can slow or your body can break down muscle for fuel instead of building.
Getting frequent DEXA scans is a great way to ensure your mass is changing where and how you want, but won’t give you a comprehensive picture of what’s happening inside your body. A Resting Metabolic Rate Test (RMR) is the perfect companion for a DEXA. This test measures how many calories your body burns per day at rest and is critical for designing a personalized and effective nutrition plan.
What results are included with a DEXA bone density scan?
Bone Density
DEXA bone density results often include a total bone mineral density (BMD), z-score, and t-score as well. The Fitnescity scan will provide a segmental bone density analysis and spinal measurements. Fitnescity scans are for personal wellness only, and not for use in diagnosing illness or disease, such as osteoporosis or cancer.
The DEXA bone density scan targets your spine, hip, and sometimes forearm to get the most accurate read of your bone density. The report will include the images of these segments.
What is bone density?
Bone density, otherwise referred to as bone mineral density (BMD), is a measure of the amount of minerals, like calcium and phosphorus, in a given volume of bone. Bones with more minerals are denser, which means they are less likely to break.
Bone Density
Bone density testing measures the strength of your bones. It can also reveal whether you have a bone disease and predict how likely your bones are to break.
For instance, osteopenia is a loss of bone mass that causes your bones to become weaker, which stems from the loss of calcium. When you start losing calcium, your bones can become more brittle. Your body is unable to replace the calcium as fast as it loses it, and eventually, this can lead to another serious bone condition called osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis also weakens the bone, but it’s more serious than osteopenia. Your bones become so thin that even a slight bump against the wall can lead to a fracture or break. Your bones may even start to form holes, or pores, because so much material has been lost.
Anyone can develop osteopenia or osteoporosis. But these bone diseases tend to affect individuals over the age of 50 more than younger people. And women are usually impacted more than men.
Z-Score
A bone density Z-score is a mathematical comparison of your bone density to the average bone density of people the same age, sex, and body size.
The Z-score is expressed in standard deviations and ranges from -2 to +2, with 0 being the average:
A Z-score of -2.0 or less is low bone density and could indicate osteoporosis or bone loss.
A Z-score of -1 indicates that your bone density is lower than others with the same age, sex, and body size, but is still normal.
A Z-score of 0 means your bone density is average.
T-Score
A bone density T-score compares your bone mineral density with the bone mineral density of healthy 25–35-year-old adults.
A positive T-score indicates that your bone is stronger than normal.
A negative T-score indicates that your bone is weaker than normal.
What is a “normal” bone density?
Your bone density can depend on a number of variables including height and age. So, in order to evaluate if your bone mineral density is normal, your Z-score and T-score* is provided. These values compare your results to different averages so you can understand what your bone density results are telling you about your bone health.
FAQs
Why should I test with Fitnescity?
By booking with Fitnescity, you receive easy-to-understand digital insights, a personalized dashboard that allows you to view your progress over time, and a physician follow-up call so you can go over your results in depth.
Do I need to get a physician referral?
Yes. However, when you book with Fitnescity, we will get all required paperwork for you.
How much does a DEXA bone density scan cost?
Fitnescity DEXA bone density scans vary. Visit our location finder to find a scan near you.
*Individual location results may vary **Individual location process may vary
Fitnescity does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical professional if you have any questions about your results.