What is a DEXA scan like? A DEXA scan is a painless and quick way to measure the density of your bones and/or lean and fat mass distribution throughout your body. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through from start to finish. I will address both body composition scans and bone density scans as they are very similar experiences.
What is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
A DEXA scan is an X-ray that is used to measure the density of bones. This test can also be sometimes called bone densitometry or bone density test. They can also lean and fat mass distribution throughout the body which is referred to as DEXA body composition scans.
What is a DEXA Scan Like?
Regardless of whether you are getting a bone density scan or a body composition scan, the experience of a DEXA machine is the same.
Checking In
When you arrive at the facility you will need to check in and provide basic information just like you would for a standard doctor’s appointment. If you are there by a doctor referral you may need to provide insurance info. If you are there for a body composition scan, you can say so and forgo the insurance, in which case you will need to provide payment upfront.
Getting into the Scanning Room
You will need to remove jewelry, belts, phones, keys, eyeglasses, and anything containing metal. Additionally, you have to remove footwear. In some cases, they may provide you with a medical gown to wear.
The technician may ask you to confirm your age, height, and weight before having you lay down on the machine.
If you are the first scan of the day, they may need to calibrate the machine before they can start. This can add up to 10 minutes of wait time.
The Scanning Process
You will lie face up on a padded table and a large arm will move over your body taking small scans in increments. The machine will make a slight humming noise as it moves.
You will need to point your feet up and place your hands at your sides with your thumbs facing up. It is important to lie still while the machine is scanning.
In some situations for bone density scanning, they may raise your feet or your head on a padded foam.
The scan itself is painless and takes about 15 minutes total for a full body scan. If you are getting a bone density scan, they may not do the full body scan and just limit it to the body part of the concern. If that’s the case you can expect the scan to be less time.
What Happens After a DEXA Scan
Once the machine has completed its scanning. The technician will instruct you to sit up, put your shoes back on, and gather your things.
If you were there for a bone density scan referred by a physician or rheumatologist, they may or may not provide you with a printout. They will surely forward it to your doctor and you will have to wait to hear from them regarding the results.
If you were there for a body composition scan, they will provide a few pages of information containing data regarding your body composition. Some technicians may look at the data with you and ask if you have questions. There are some technicians, who just hand you your print-outs and say you are free to leave.
What is a DEXA Scan Like – Bottom Line
A DEXA scan is a painless and quick experience. The actual scan itself only takes about 15 minutes. However, when you factor in the time it takes to remove shoes and jewelry and get situated on the table, the whole process can take 30-45 minutes from the time you arrive.
If you are getting a scan for a bone density scan, you will likely only have the DEXA scan on the area of concern. For example, if you are having a DEXA scan because you have osteoporosis in your hip, they will only DEXA scan your hip.
If you are getting a DEXA body composition scan, they will DEXA scan your entire body. This will give you information about your bone density as well as your lean and fat mass distribution.