Asked by: Grau Baruque
Asked in category: medical health, bone and joint conditions, medical health, bone and joint conditions
Last Updated: 3rd Jul 2024

What can a DEXA scan reveal?

A DEXA scan is used to assess or measure bone density. This scan can also be used to determine body composition such as the proportion of fat and lean muscle. Dual-energy Xray absorptiometry scan (DEXA), uses two low-energy beams of X-ray radiation that doctors direct towards the bones.



What else can you expect to see on a bone density test,

Bone scans do not include bone density tests. Bone scans are performed with an injection and are used to detect cancers, fractures, and other abnormalities in the bones. Osteoporosis can also occur in men, even though it is more common in older women.

You may also be wondering, "How do you interpret the DEXA scan results?" Understanding Bone density test results

  1. Normal bone density is defined as a T-score greater than 1.0. Examples include 0.9, 0. and -0.9.
  2. If your T-score is between -1.0 & -2.5, it means that you have osteopenia or low bone density.
  3. An osteoporosis diagnosis is one that has a T-score below -2.5
  4. The bone density is affected by the T-score.

Another question that might be asked is, "Can a DEXA scan detect cancer?"

DEXA scan. A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density. The DEXA scanner is short for dual-energy-X-ray absorption. It allows the doctor to evaluate bone health and determine if there are any bone fractures or osteoporosis. This scan may also help determine if cancer has spread to the bones.

What's a DEXA scan?

A dual energy Xray absorptiometry DEXA scan is a common technique to measure bone thickness. The procedure is painless and only exposes the patient to very little radiation.