Bone Density (DXA)
A DXA test measures your bone mineral density at your hip and spine which shows your doctor if you have osteoporosis or a less severe, but still problematic level of bone loss, called osteopenia.
A bone density test should be considered:
- If you’re postmenopausal and at risk of osteoporosis
- To assess your response to osteoporosis medications
- If you have a condition called “primary hyperparathyroidism”
- If you have certain spinal abnormalities that might indicate a fracture
- If you’re on long-term corticosteroid therapy
What To Expect
- We’ll give you a call before your appointment to talk through preparation instructions and your past imaging exams.
- Be sure to tell us if you are pregnant, nursing, or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- On the day of your exam, please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
- When you arrive, you will be led to a changing room and given a pair of scrubs to wear for your exam. You will be given a locker to store your clothes, and anything else you may have with you during your exam.
- During the exam you will lie on a special table and the machine will measure your bone density.
- When your scan is complete, you’ll be escorted back to the changing room so you can change out of the scrubs and back into your clothing.
- Once you have changed, your appointment is complete. You do not need to check out with the front desk when you leave.
- After the exam, your images will be sent electronically to one of our radiologists. This radiologist will review the information and send a report to your referring provider, typically within one to two business days.
- You should follow up with your referring provider to discuss your results.
