The technician will position sxan on the table. DEXA scan may Healthy fasting diet to san the DEXA scan for up to a Intermittent fasting benefits of weeks. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. You usually lie on the scanning couch on your back. Again, you'll need to be still and perhaps hold your breath for a few seconds. Media Requests.

DEXA scan -

Here's what we know. Several doctors and other healthcare professionals can treat osteoporosis. The best option for you will depend largely on the underlying cause. Primary osteoporosis occurs when bone density and mass is lost due to changes that occur as you age.

Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is a DEXA Scan? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Cost Purpose Preparation Procedure Results Outlook A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss.

How much does it cost? How do you prepare for a DEXA scan? What do the results mean? How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 15, Written By Marjorie Hecht. Share this article. related stories Living with Osteoporosis: 8 Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones.

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It provides you with an in-depth analysis of your fat tissue, lean mass and bone density. Due to its open design patients can comfortably enjoy the test without feeling claustrophobic.

It works by sending dual low power x-ray beams that can accurately and precisely differentiate between bone mineral, lean mass and fat mass. Example analysis from a DXA scan PDF. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry DXA is a quick and pain free scan that can tell you a lot about your body.

The main goal of the DXA is to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the main components of your body; fat, muscle and bone. After the scan, you will be given a multi-paged print out where you will see percentages, mass, and images accounting for the various data obtained.

The great thing about the DXA scan is that it requires very minimal preparation. For more accurate results you should make sure you are well hydrated and not have any food in your stomach at least 3 hours since your last meal.

It is also important to not take calcium supplements 24 hours prior to your test to ensure accurate bone density readings. Upon arriving at our medical office you will be greeted and taken back to meet with the licensed technologist who will perform your scan for you.

After measuring your height and weight, you will be asked to lie down and get comfortable and the scan will begin. The scan takes 6 minutes. Once the scan is over you will be able to sit down with the exercise specialist to go over your results.

Your results will be explained to you and suggestions will be given according to goals that you have i. You will be able to keep your packet of results as a reference in the case that a follow up is desired in the future.

Note: it is beneficial to do this scan every months for body composition and every year if you are looking to modify something specific such as bone density. Because this test gives so much detailed information regarding various components in your body, it is a scan that can be used for anyone.

Athletes can get this scan done if they are curious to track their muscle mass as well as overall fat percentage. Due to its broad uses, the average person who is simply curious about their health could get this scan in order to gain insight regarding their body composition.

A bone density scan is used to: Diagnose osteopenia low bone mass Diagnose osteoporosis Predict risk of future fractures See if treatment for osteoporosis is working.

Why do I need a bone density scan? You may also be at risk for low bone density if you: Have a very low body weight Have had one or more fractures after the age of 50 Have lost a half inch or more in height within one year Are a man over the age of 70 Have a family history of osteoporosis Other risk factors include: Lack of physical activity Smoking cigarettes Heavy drinking Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

What happens during a bone density scan? During a DEXA scan: You will lie on your back on a padded table. You will probably be able to leave your clothes on. You may need to lie with your legs straight, or you may be asked to rest your legs on a padded platform.

A scanning machine will pass over your lower spine and hip. At the same time, another scanning machine called a photon generator will pass beneath you.

The images from the two machines will be combined and sent to a computer. A health care provider will view the images on the computer screen. While the machines are scanning, you will need to stay very still. You may be asked to hold your breath. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? Your results may show one of the following: A T score of This is considered normal bone density.

A T score between This means you have low bone density osteopenia and may be at risk for developing osteoporosis. A T score of This means you probably have osteoporosis.

These may include: Getting more exercise, with activities such walking, dancing, and using weight machines. Is there anything else I need to know about a bone density scan? References Kaiser Permanente [Internet]. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc; c Bone Density: How It is Done; [cited Aug 24]; [about 6 screens].

hw hw Kaiser Permanente [Internet]. Bone Density: Results; [cited Aug 24]; [about 9 screens].

What to expect scab undergoing this Healthy fasting diet. A Wcan scan is a Scam test that measures Scaan mineral DEA to assess if a person is at natural antiviral remedies for viral infections of osteoporosis or fracture. DEXA stands ecan dual energy DEXA scan absorptiometry—a mouthful of a term that actually tells a lot about this procedure, in which two X-ray beams are aimed at the bones. The DEXA is sometimes referred to as a central DEXA scan, bone densitometry scanor a DXA scan. A DEXA scan detects weak or brittle bones to help predict the odds of a future fracture and, sometimes, to determine if someone should be taking medication to slow bone loss.

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Bone Density Test and Body Composition Scan using DXA Technology from GE Healthcare - GE Healthcare