DEXA Scan

Everyone loses bone density throughout their adult life, putting them at risk for osteoporosis and fractures. You can learn the health of your bones with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan performed by the skilled radiologists at Invision Sally Jobe. They offer DEXA scans at their offices in Littleton, Aurora, Denver, Parker, Golden, Greenwood Village, and Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado, giving you and your doctor the information you need to start treatment to strengthen your bones. Call Invision Sally Jobe at 720-493-3700 to schedule a DEXA scan today.

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan, also called bone densitometry, determines the density and strength of your bones. The scan uses a very low dose of radiation to measure bone loss, allowing your physician to diagnose osteoporosis and determine your risk of sustaining a fracture due to weak, fragile bones.

When should I have a DEXA scan?

Your bones develop the most mass (density) they will ever have by age 30. They stay strong by replacing old or damaged bone with new bone. But in middle adulthood, bone loss starts outpacing bone growth.

The slow loss of bone density affects women and men. However, women rapidly lose bone after menopause, so the current guidelines recommend DEXA scans for women after age 65 or when they enter menopause. 

Everyone has a higher risk for osteoporosis if they:

• Don’t exercise
• Consume too little calcium and vitamin D
• Have a family history of osteoporosis
• Use corticosteroids for a long time
• Are a man with low testosterone
• Smoke cigarettes
• Drink too much alcohol
• Have thyroid, kidney, or liver disease

Talk with your doctor to determine if you need a DEXA scan. Learning your risk for osteoporosis is important because bone loss doesn’t cause symptoms. 

How do I prepare for a DEXA scan?

You should stop taking calcium supplements and products containing calcium (like antacids) at least 24 hours before your scan.

You should also avoid wearing metal jewelry or clothes with metal zippers. Otherwise, you don’t need to prepare for your scan.

People who had a recent barium study or a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast may need to wait a week or two before having a DEXA scan.

What happens during a DEXA scan?

DEXA scans identify the bone density in your hips and spine. The DEXA device consists of an open exam table with an arm-like structure. 

You lie on the table with the arm above your abdomen and hips, and the arm sends beams of low-dose X-rays through the area. 

A box-like structure supports your legs during a scan of your spine. Your radiologist uses a foot brace to rotate your hip to scan your hip bone.

Your Invision Sally Jobe technologist uses the information to determine your bone mineral density.

Call Invision Sally Jobe Patient Access Team at 720-493-3700 to schedule your next DEXA  scan today.