DXA scans estimate bone density and detect early declines, useful for detecting osteoporosis. The scan involves two X-rays and is quick and painless. Doctors recommend DXA scans for older adults, especially women over 65, and in rare cases, younger patients.
A DXA scan is a type of medical test used to estimate a patient’s bone density. Such tests are useful for detecting early declines in bone density, which could be indicators of osteoporosis or other conditions. DXA scans are also called DEXA scans or bone densitometry tests and are generally recommended for older adults, as they have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. In rare cases, such scans can also be used as diagnostic tools for younger patients.
DXA stands for dual energy E-ray absorptiometry. During the DXA scan, two X-rays with different energy levels are aimed at the affected area and the absorption rate of the X-rays is used to calculate the concentration of minerals such as calcium in the bone. High-density bones are considered dense, with low risk of breaking, while low-density bones are porous and potentially at risk of fracture.
Typically, the DXA scan is performed on a bone that is at high risk of osteoporotic fracture, such as the hip. The test is usually very quick and totally painless, and the amount of radiation involved is usually about one-tenth of that found in a chest X-ray. After the scan, a radiologist will calculate a T-Score and a Z-Score. The T-Score compares the patient’s bone density to a healthy young adult of the same gender, while the Z-Score takes into account factors such as age and ethnic identity.
Scores with negative numbers suggest that a patient has low bone mineral density (BMD). The scan, however, will not explain why the patient has low bone mineral density. In some cases, this may be due to a condition such as osteoporosis, but it can also be caused by a variety of medical conditions. When a DXA scan reveals low bone mineral density, doctors typically recommend a medical exam to determine the root cause of the problem.
DXA scans are recommended for all women over the age of 65, as they are at increased risk for osteoporosis. Such scans may begin as early as age 60 for some patients, depending on the doctor’s personal opinion. If a doctor recommends a DXA scan, you may want to be aware that many insurance companies do not cover these scans for pre-menopausal women.
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