Dexa: What to ExpectA DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorption) scan is a simple, painless, non-invasive bone density testing procedure. The test measures your Bone Mineral Density (BMD), or bone mass, and compares that number with a reference population whose age, sex and racial background are similar to yours. This information will help your physician determine if you need to take any specific steps to protect your bone health. The procedure requires you to lie still on an exam table for ten minutes while your vertebrae in the lower spine are imaged. It is different than a bone scan, which requires an injection of radioactive material. A DEXA bone density scan is faster than a bone scan and does not require any special preparatory drinks, medications or injections. |
Latest NewsUSPSTF recommends bone density screening for at-risk womenJanuary 18th, 2011 Women past the age of menopause who are at risk of osteoporosis should receive regular bone density screening, according to guidelines issued this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The new guidelines should make screening available to younger women compared to the task force's previous policy...Read More Women at high risk for breast cancer not getting MRI screeningJanuary 13th, 2011 January 13, 2011 -- Despite American Cancer Society guidelines recommending that women at high risk for breast cancer undergo MRI screening in addition to regular mammography, only 14% of these women are getting the scans, according to researchers from the University of Colorado...Read More |
