Bone density scanning
Bone densitometry, using advanced technology called DEXA (short for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), safely, accurately and painlessly measures bone mineral density. During a comprehensive examination with DEXA, the patient lies comfortably still on a padded table while the DEXA unit scans two or more areas, usually the fracture-prone hip and spine. Unlike typical X-ray machines, radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low – less than the radiation exposure during a coast-to-coast airline flight. The entire process takes only minutes to complete, depending on the number of sites scanned. It involves no injections or invasive procedures; and patients remain fully clothed.
Norton Healthcare locations offering bone density scanning:
Print a fact sheet about how to prepare for an exam and what you should expect during a bone density scan.
