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The information on this page and throughout the LabFinder website and mobile app is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider directly.
Bone Density (DEXA), also known as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a specialized medical test used to assess the density and strength of bones. This non-invasive procedure employs low-dose X-rays to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals present in specific areas of the bones, typically the spine, hip, or forearm. By providing detailed information about bone mineral density, DEXA plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions related to bone health, particularly osteoporosis, a common condition characterized by low bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis targets women much more often than men, and it becomes more common after menopause and with advancing age. As a result, health care providers recommend bone density testing for women who have been through menopause and are at least 65 years old. In addition, there are certain characteristics that put people at higher risk for fracture, so health care providers sometimes recommend testing in men or women younger than 65 years, who have one or more risk factors. Factors that increase a persons risk of fracture and may lead to earlier bone density testing include: Cigarette smoking, Long-term use of steroid (glucocorticoid) medications, Low body weight (less than 127 lbs or 58 kg), Rheumatoid arthritis, History of a non-traumatic or low trauma bone fracture in self or parents (e.g. breaking a bone after falling from standing height or less), Excessive alcohol consumption (three or more servings a day) A disorder strongly associated with osteoporosis, such as diabetes, untreated hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, early menopause, chronic malnutrition or malabsorption, or chronic liver disease. In case there is evidence of bone disease or bone weakness, your doctor may also suggest you take the Vitamin D 25-OH test to check for vitamin D deficiency. In addition, if you have swelling or pain in and around your joints, your doctor may even advise you take the Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor test.
Yes. The amount of radiation that is used is minimal, amounting to roughly the same radiation that an average person gets from the environment in a day.
During the DEXA scan, you will have to lie on a flat, open X-ray table. A large scanning arm will be moved slowly over your body and a narrow beam of low-dose X-rays will pass through the part of your body being examined, which is usually your hip and lower spine. Multiple images will be taken and displayed on a monitor. You will be instructed to hold your breath for a few seconds while the x-ray images will be taken, to reduce the possibility of blurred images.
The complete DEXA/ bone density scan, from positioning to obtaining and verifying the images, takes about 15-20 minutes.
Women who are or may be pregnant should tell their doctor prior to the exam. There is no fasting required. There is some risk of radiation exposure. Just bring your LabFinder Order and Insurance Card to your appointment.
Once the Bone Density scan is completed, you will receive your results within 3-5 business days in your LabFinder portal.
Booking a Bone Density (DEXA) is easy using LabFinder. Just choose your location and enter your insurance information to find the closest Bone Density (DEXA) near you.
To make a same day appointment for a Bone Density (DEXA), just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Bone Density (DEXA) location near you. If there's availability for a same-day appointment at a nearby lab location, then you will be able to book it easily through LabFinder.
LabFinder allows you to easily schedule a Bone Density (DEXA). You can search by location and insurance to easily book a Bone Density (DEXA) near you.
LabFinder allows you to easily make an appointment for a Bone Density (DEXA) online. To make an appointment for a Bone Density (DEXA) online, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Bone Density (DEXA) near you.
Yes, you can get a Bone Density (DEXA) without insurance. LabFinder allows you to search and select "Self-Pay" when booking a Bone Density (DEXA). While pricing for the test may not be immediately available, please check by calling the lab company directly for pricing.
