From the Guidelines
A DEXA scan typically takes about 10 to 30 minutes to complete. The actual scanning time is usually around 10 to 15 minutes, but the entire appointment may last up to 30 minutes when including preparation time. During the scan, you'll lie on a padded table while a scanner arm passes over your body, measuring bone density at specific sites like the spine and hip. The procedure is painless, non-invasive, and involves minimal radiation exposure (much less than a standard chest X-ray) 1. You'll remain fully clothed during the scan, though you may need to remove metal objects like belts or jewelry that could interfere with the results.
Key Points to Consider
- The quick procedure time makes DEXA scans a convenient diagnostic tool for assessing bone density, evaluating osteoporosis risk, and monitoring treatment effectiveness for bone-related conditions 1.
- DEXA is an attractive tool for measurement of body composition and potentially fat distribution, but is reserved for research purposes at the current time until more data on risk prediction and cost-effectiveness are available 1.
- The use of DEXA in clinical practice is influenced by many technical factors, including the quality control procedures for the instrument, positioning of the patient, and approach to analysis 1.
- Given the proven efficacy of pharmacologic therapy, the role of imaging to appropriately identify and monitor high-risk individuals is critical in substantially reducing osteoporosis-associated morbidity and mortality, and reducing the considerable cost to the health care system 1.
Procedure Details
- The scanning process is straightforward and requires minimal preparation.
- You will be asked to lie on a padded table and remain still during the scan.
- The scanner arm will pass over your body, measuring bone density at specific sites like the spine and hip.
- The entire process, including preparation and scanning, usually takes around 10 to 30 minutes.
From the Research
Duration of a DEXA Scan
- The duration of a DEXA scan is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it can be inferred that a DEXA scan is a relatively quick procedure, as it is widely used for bone mineral density measurements and fracture risk assessments.
- The studies focus on the importance of DEXA scans in evaluating osteoporosis, predicting fracture risk, and monitoring treatment response, but do not provide information on the scan duration.
Related Information
- DEXA scans are commonly used to measure bone mineral density at the spine and hip 2, 3, 4.
- The scans use two different energy X-rays to calculate bone mineral density and provide a T-score, which is used to diagnose osteoporosis 3.
- DEXA scans have several advantages, including wide availability, low radiation exposure, and a large body of evidence relating to fracture risk 3.