BONE MINERAL DENSITY AND OSTEOPOROSIS

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A DEXA scan (Dual‑Energy X‑ray Absorptiometry), or bone mineral density test, is a quick, painless, low‑radiation imaging test that helps diagnose poor bone health (osteopenia and osteoporosis) and assess fracture risk.

  • You will be required to lie flat on a padded table for approximately 10 minutes while a scanner passes over your body. We will use equipment to position you (this should not be painful) and an operator will stay with you the entire time. Your height and weight will also be measured. The test is not claustrophobic.

  • On the day of the test you may eat normally. Preferably, you should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.

    We will not scan any pregnant women.

    You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal. Bras containing metal clips or underwiring will also need to be removed. Objects such as keys or wallets that would be in the area being scanned should be removed.

    Inform your technician if you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or nuclear medical scan.

    Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your referral.

  • DEXA uses very low-dose X-rays. This is significantly less radiation than a standard chest X-ray.

  • Your Doctor will help to interpret your results, but reports will outline a T and a Z score.

    T score — This number shows the amount of bone you have compared with a young adult of the same gender and ethnicity. A score of -1 and above is considered normal. A score between -1.1 and -2.5 is classified as osteopenia (low bone mass). A score below -2.5 is defined as osteoporosis.

    Z score — This number reflects the amount of bone you have compared with other people in your age group and of the same gender and ethnicity. If this score is unusually high or low, it may indicate a need for further medical tests.

  • This scan does not require any specific after care. Your results will be provided to your referrer within one week. You can also choose to discuss your results with our nurse practitioner who will be able to make some recommendations for you.

  • Yes. Only medical practitioners can refer for this test. To determine if you may be eligible for a scan click HERE.

    Referrers please click HERE.

  • If you have a valid referral, we will bulk-bill your test. Without a valid referral, the cost of the test is $120 paid on the day.