Bone Mineral Density Testing Care
Learn what care is required for the Bone Mineral Density Testing procedure. Find out what you need to do prior to the procedure, how long it will take, if you will be required to stay in the hospital and what the postoperative care is.
Alternate Names for Bone Mineral Density Testing:
Central DXA
DEXA
DEXA/DXA
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
DXA
Peripheral DXA
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Bone Mineral Density Testing Details
Alternate Names for Bone Mineral Density Testing:
Central DXA
DEXA
DEXA/DXA
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
DXA
Peripheral DXA
What to Expect
Prior to Test
- Eat normally on the day of the test.
- If you have had a barium study, or have been injected with contrast dye for a CT scan or MRI , wait at least seven days before having a DEXA scan.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not wear clothing with metal zippers, belts, or buttons.
You will lie on a table. A machine will pass over your body and take measurements of your bone density by sending a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-rays through your bones. The amount of radiation is very small, less than 1/10 the dose of a standard chest x-ray . A picture of your skeleton will be made based on how much the x-rays have changed after passing through your bones.
Spine or Hip MeasurementYour toes will be placed in a “pigeon-toed” position, and the same steps above are done.
Wrist MeasurementYou will sit in a chair beside the DEXA machine. Your arm will be placed in a holding device while the measurement is taken.
After TestYou will be able to leave after the test is done.
How Long Will It Take?About 10 minutes
Will It Hurt?No
Learn
 Complications Learn about possible complications and what might increase the risk of them. |
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 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
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