Diagnostics·Diagnostics
Dexa scan
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A DEXA scan (also called a bone density scan) is a quick, painless X-ray test that measures how strong your bones are. It is used to check for bone thinning or osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more likely to break.
Key facts
- DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry.
- The scan uses a very low amount of radiation, less than a chest X-ray.
- It is the most accurate test for diagnosing osteoporosis and predicting fracture risk.
- Results are given as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult.
Yes, DEXA scans are a common test, especially for adults over 50 or those with risk factors for bone loss.