What Is DEXA and Who May Be Referred for a DEXA Scan?
DEXA, also known as DXA, is a low-dose X-ray examination commonly used to assess bone mineral density. Understanding what a DEXA scan measures and who may be referred can help patients feel more prepared when discussing bone health with their healthcare professional.
A DEXA scan is a specialised low-dose X-ray examination used to measure bone mineral density, commonly at the hip and lower spine. A doctor or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional may refer someone for a DEXA scan when their age, medical history, fracture history, risk factors or other clinical circumstances make assessment of bone health appropriate. The decision to have a DEXA scan should be based on individual clinical circumstances.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It is an imaging examination designed to measure bone mineral density and is commonly used as part of an assessment of bone health.
During a DEXA scan, low-dose X-rays are used to assess how much mineral is present in selected bones. The hip and lower spine are common areas assessed during a bone density examination.
1. Bone Mineral Density
DEXA measures bone mineral density at selected areas of the body, providing information that can help healthcare professionals assess bone health.
2. Low-Dose X-Rays
DEXA uses a low dose of X-ray radiation to perform the examination.
3. Common Scan Areas
The hip and lower spine are commonly assessed during a DEXA bone density examination.
4. Clinical Interpretation
DEXA results are interpreted alongside your age, medical history, risk factors and other relevant clinical information.
5. Referral-Based Imaging
A healthcare professional may recommend DEXA when assessment of bone mineral density is clinically appropriate.
6. Follow-Up Assessment
In some circumstances, repeat DEXA examinations may be recommended to monitor bone mineral density over time.
Why Is a DEXA Scan Performed?
Bone mineral density can change with age and may also be influenced by a range of medical, hormonal and lifestyle factors. A healthcare professional may recommend a DEXA scan when information about bone density could help with clinical assessment.
A DEXA result can provide information about bone mineral density, but it is not considered on its own. Your healthcare professional may consider the result together with your age, medical history, previous fractures, medications and other risk factors.
DEXA may therefore be used in different clinical circumstances, including assessment of people who may have an increased risk of reduced bone mineral density or follow-up when monitoring is considered appropriate.
If your doctor has recommended a DEXA scan, ask why the examination has been requested and how the result may be used alongside your other health information. Understanding the reason for the referral can make the appointment easier to prepare for.
Who May Be Referred for a DEXA Scan?
There is no single reason why every person may be referred for DEXA. Your healthcare professional considers your individual circumstances when deciding whether a bone density assessment is appropriate.
1. People With Relevant Fracture History
A history of certain fractures may prompt a healthcare professional to consider assessment of bone mineral density, particularly when the circumstances suggest that bone health may need further evaluation.
2. People With Risk Factors for Reduced Bone Density
Some medical and personal factors may be associated with an increased risk of reduced bone mineral density. Your doctor may consider these factors when deciding whether DEXA is appropriate.
3. People Taking Certain Medicines
Some medicines can affect bone health when used for particular periods or under certain circumstances. Your healthcare professional may consider your medication history when assessing whether a DEXA scan is appropriate.
4. People With Certain Medical Conditions
Some health conditions can affect bone metabolism or bone strength. In these circumstances, your doctor may recommend a DEXA scan as part of a broader assessment.
5. People Requiring Follow-Up
A repeat DEXA scan may sometimes be recommended when a healthcare professional wants to monitor bone mineral density over time. The timing of follow-up depends on the individual clinical situation.
What Factors May Influence a DEXA Referral?
Your doctor may consider several factors before recommending a DEXA scan. These can include your age, medical history, fracture history, medications and other circumstances that may affect bone health.
Age
Bone mineral density can change as people get older, so age may be one factor considered when deciding whether assessment is appropriate.
Fracture History
Previous fractures may provide relevant clinical information when your healthcare professional is assessing bone health.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions may influence bone health and may be relevant when considering a DEXA referral.
Medications
Your healthcare professional may consider medicines that can affect bone health as part of your overall clinical assessment.
A DEXA referral is based on the individual clinical situation rather than on one factor alone.
What Happens During a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA examination is generally performed while you are lying on a scanning table. The equipment passes over the relevant areas of your body while low-dose X-rays are used to measure bone mineral density.
You may be positioned so that the hip, lower spine or other selected areas can be assessed. The imaging professional will provide instructions about positioning and remaining still during the examination.
DEXA is different from a standard X-ray because its purpose is to measure bone mineral density rather than to produce conventional diagnostic images of an injury or body structure.
If you are unsure about preparation, positioning or what will happen during the scan, ask the imaging team for clarification before the examination starts.
What Can a DEXA Scan Tell You About Bone Health?
A DEXA scan provides a measurement of bone mineral density at the areas examined. The result is then interpreted using established reference information and considered alongside your clinical circumstances.
| DEXA Information | What It May Help Assess |
|---|---|
| Bone Mineral Density | Provides a measurement of the mineral content of selected bones. |
| Hip Assessment | The hip is commonly included in DEXA bone density examinations. |
| Spine Assessment | The lower spine is another commonly assessed area during a DEXA examination. |
| Follow-Up Information | Where repeat testing is clinically appropriate, results may provide information for comparison over time. |
A DEXA result should be interpreted in the context of your individual clinical history and other relevant information.
Is DEXA the Same as a Regular X-Ray?
DEXA uses X-ray technology, but it has a different purpose from a standard general X-ray. A general X-ray creates images of structures within the body, while DEXA is specifically designed to measure bone mineral density.
DEXA uses a low dose of radiation to perform the bone density assessment. The examination focuses on selected areas, commonly including the hip and lower spine.
Because DEXA uses X-rays, tell your healthcare professional or imaging provider if there is any possibility that you are pregnant before the examination.
You can learn more about CareWell's DEXA Bone Density service before your appointment.
How Is DEXA Different From Other Imaging Tests?
Different imaging examinations answer different clinical questions. DEXA is specifically focused on measuring bone mineral density, while other imaging methods are used for different purposes.
Ultrasound uses sound waves and does not use ionising radiation. X-ray and CT use X-rays to create diagnostic images, while DEXA uses low-dose X-rays specifically for bone mineral density assessment.
Your healthcare professional chooses an imaging examination based on the clinical question and your individual circumstances.
CareWell provides a range of diagnostic imaging examinations. Visit the CareWell Ultrasound service page for more information about ultrasound.
How Are DEXA Results Used?
After the examination, the DEXA measurements are reviewed and reported according to the appropriate clinical and reporting process.
The results can provide your healthcare professional with information about bone mineral density. Your doctor may consider the findings together with your age, medical history, fracture history, medications and other relevant risk factors.
A DEXA scan is therefore one part of a broader clinical assessment. Your healthcare professional can explain what your individual result means and whether any further assessment or management is appropriate.
If you have been referred for DEXA imaging, you can review CareWell's DEXA Scan information for further details.
What Should You Know Before a DEXA Scan?
Preparation for DEXA is generally straightforward, but requirements can vary between imaging providers and according to individual circumstances.
Follow the instructions provided when your appointment is arranged. You should also tell the imaging team about relevant medical information and any circumstances that may affect the examination.
If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, tell your healthcare professional or imaging provider before undergoing the examination because DEXA uses X-rays.
You can find more information about DEXA Bone Density Scans at CareWell Diagnostix .
Can DEXA Be Used for Follow-Up?
In some circumstances, a healthcare professional may recommend a repeat DEXA scan to monitor bone mineral density over time.
Follow-up timing is not the same for everyone. Your doctor considers your individual clinical circumstances, previous results and the reason for monitoring when deciding whether repeat assessment is appropriate.
Comparing DEXA results may provide useful information when repeat testing has been clinically recommended.
Learn more about DEXA Bone Density at CareWell Diagnostix .
What Happens After a DEXA Scan?
Once the examination is complete, the imaging professional checks that the required measurements and images have been obtained.
The DEXA information is then reviewed as part of the reporting process. The report is generally provided to the healthcare professional who referred you for the examination.
Your doctor or specialist can discuss the result with you and explain what it means in the context of your medical history, risk factors and other relevant health information.
A DEXA result should not be interpreted in isolation. Your referring healthcare professional can explain the findings and discuss whether any further assessment or management is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
How Long Does a DEXA Scan Take?
The length of a DEXA appointment can vary depending on the examination and the areas being assessed.
The total appointment time may include registration, preparation, positioning and the examination itself.
If you need to plan your day around your appointment, ask the imaging provider how long you should allow for your specific DEXA examination.
Following the preparation and appointment instructions provided by your imaging provider can help your visit run smoothly.
Who Decides Whether You Need a DEXA Scan?
Your doctor or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional considers your individual clinical circumstances when deciding whether a DEXA scan may be appropriate.
Clinical History
Your medical history can help your healthcare professional determine whether bone density assessment may be relevant.
Fracture History
Previous fractures may be relevant when your healthcare professional assesses your bone health.
Risk Factors
Your healthcare professional may consider factors that could affect your risk of reduced bone mineral density.
Follow-Up Needs
Previous DEXA results or ongoing clinical monitoring may be relevant when deciding whether repeat testing is appropriate.
Questions to Ask Before a DEXA Scan
If your doctor has referred you for a DEXA scan, consider asking:
- Why has a DEXA scan been recommended for me?
- Which areas of my body will be assessed?
- Do I need to follow any preparation instructions?
- How long should I allow for the appointment?
- Should I bring previous DEXA results or other imaging reports?
- Should I tell the imaging team about any medicines or medical conditions?
- When will the report be provided to my referring healthcare professional?
If you are unsure about preparation or whether any part of your medical history is relevant, contact the imaging provider before attending.
DEXA Bone Density Scans at CareWell Diagnostix
CareWell Diagnostix provides DEXA bone density imaging for patients in Tarneit and Melbourne's West.
Depending on your referral and clinical needs, available diagnostic imaging services include:
Ultrasound
Imaging using sound waves to produce real-time images of selected body structures.
Explore UltrasoundLiver Elastography
Non-invasive assessment of liver stiffness using specialised ultrasound technology.
Explore Liver ElastographyUltrasound-Guided Procedures
Selected procedures can be performed with real-time ultrasound guidance when clinically appropriate.
Explore Guided ProceduresDEXA Scans in Tarneit and Melbourne West
If you have been referred for a DEXA scan and live in or around Tarneit, you may prefer an imaging provider that is convenient for your local area.
CareWell Diagnostix is located at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit VIC 3029 and supports patients from Tarneit and surrounding Melbourne West communities, including Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Williams Landing.
If you have been referred for a DEXA scan, the CareWell team can provide information about the appointment process and preparation requirements.
Related CareWell Patient Guides
How to Book Diagnostic Imaging in Tarneit & Melbourne West
Learn about referrals, booking, preparation and what to bring to your imaging appointment.
Read the Patient GuideHow Long Does a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment Take?
Explore the factors that can affect the duration of different imaging examinations, including DEXA scans.
Related article coming soon.What Happens During a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
Learn what patients may experience before, during and after different types of diagnostic imaging examinations.
Related article coming soon.Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DEXA scan?
DEXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a low-dose X-ray examination used to measure bone mineral density, commonly at the hip and lower spine.
What does DEXA stand for?
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It is also commonly referred to as a DXA scan.
Who may be referred for a DEXA scan?
A doctor or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional may refer someone for a DEXA scan based on individual circumstances such as age, fracture history, medical conditions, medications or other factors relevant to bone health.
Why would my doctor recommend a DEXA scan?
Your doctor may recommend DEXA when information about bone mineral density could help assess your bone health or when monitoring is considered clinically appropriate.
What areas does a DEXA scan usually examine?
The hip and lower spine are commonly assessed during a DEXA bone density examination. Other areas may be assessed depending on the clinical circumstances and examination requested.
Is a DEXA scan an X-ray?
Yes. DEXA uses low-dose X-rays, but its purpose is specifically to measure bone mineral density rather than to produce a conventional general X-ray image.
Is DEXA different from a normal X-ray?
Yes. Both use X-ray technology, but DEXA is designed to measure bone mineral density, while a general X-ray is used to create diagnostic images of structures within the body.
Does a DEXA scan hurt?
A DEXA scan is generally performed while you lie on a scanning table and does not normally involve an invasive procedure. The imaging professional will provide instructions about positioning during the examination.
How long does a DEXA scan take?
Appointment duration can vary depending on the examination and areas being assessed. Your imaging provider can advise how much time you should allow for your appointment.
Do I need to prepare for a DEXA scan?
Preparation requirements can vary. Follow the instructions provided by your imaging provider when your appointment is arranged.
Can I have a DEXA scan if I may be pregnant?
Because DEXA uses X-rays, tell your healthcare professional or imaging provider if there is any possibility that you are pregnant before the examination.
Can DEXA scans be repeated?
In some circumstances, a healthcare professional may recommend repeat DEXA testing to monitor bone mineral density over time. The timing depends on the individual clinical situation.
Will a DEXA scan diagnose osteoporosis?
DEXA provides information about bone mineral density that can contribute to the assessment of bone health. Your healthcare professional interprets the result alongside your clinical history and other relevant information.
Where can I have a DEXA scan in Tarneit?
CareWell Diagnostix provides DEXA bone density scanning at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit VIC 3029, subject to referral and appointment requirements.
What imaging services are available at CareWell Diagnostix?
CareWell Diagnostix currently provides services including DEXA bone density scanning, CT, ultrasound, general X-ray, liver elastography and selected ultrasound-guided procedures. Availability depends on the service and appointment requirements.
Key Takeaways
- DEXA, or DXA, is a low-dose X-ray examination used to measure bone mineral density.
- The hip and lower spine are commonly assessed during a DEXA bone density scan.
- A healthcare professional may recommend DEXA based on factors such as age, fracture history, medical conditions, medications or other clinical circumstances.
- DEXA uses X-ray technology but has a different purpose from a standard general X-ray.
- DEXA results are considered alongside your medical history and other relevant clinical information.
- Repeat DEXA scans may be recommended when monitoring bone mineral density is clinically appropriate.
Been Referred for a DEXA Scan?
If you have been referred for a DEXA scan, CareWell Diagnostix can provide information about the examination, appointment requirements and preparation.
Located in Tarneit, CareWell supports patients from across Melbourne West and surrounding communities.
Make an AppointmentThis article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Whether a DEXA scan is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, clinical history and healthcare professional's assessment. Always follow the instructions provided by your referring healthcare professional and imaging provider.