DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)

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What is DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)?

A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a quick, low-dose imaging test that can measure bone mineral density (BMD) or body composition, including fat and muscle mass. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to assess bone health or to track changes in your body over time.

Preparing for your examination

DEXA at Coolum Radiology

Bone Mineral Densitometry

A BMD (Bone Mineral Density) test measures the strength and density of your bones, helping to assess your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It is especially important for people over 50 or those with risk factors like family history, low body weight, or certain medical conditions.

Body Composition Study

A body composition study measures the proportions of fat, muscle, and bone in your body, providing a detailed picture of your physical health. It’s a valuable tool for tracking fitness progress, managing weight, or monitoring changes related to training, diet, or medical conditions.

Preparing for your examination

Please be aware that all Bone Density scans require an appointment. Please call us to arrange an appointment time.

What to bring:

A referral from your GP or specialist
Medicare card
Pension/concession card

Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes. Avoid garments that have metal such as zippers, belts or buttons.

No advance preparation is required. Eat normally and take prescribed medication as usual, unless your doctor or Noosa Radiology staff has given you other instructions.

Please tell us if you are pregnant.

Reasons for DEXA

The advantages are that very low radiation doses are involved, no oral or intravenous contrast is required and it is non-invasive.

Bone density testing may be recommended if any of the following are true:

If you have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma
If you have an overactive thyroid condition
Have known osteoporosis
Underwent menopause before the age of 45
Have had an x-ray with evidence of fracture or other signs of osteoporosis
Are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss (low testosterone)
Use steroid medications that are known to cause bone loss
Have chronic liver and renal disease
Have Crohn’s or Coeliac disease
Have rheumatoid arthritis
Are over 70 years of age

What to expect

On arrival you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire. You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes.

In the imaging room, your bone density test will only take 5-10 minutes. You will lie on a padded table as the scanner arm passes over you.

Our equipment utilises the latest radiation reduction techniques and the risks at these exposure levels are thought to be very small and outweighed by the information obtained by performing the scan.

When can you get your results?

The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Coolum Radiology our highly trained and qualified radiologists interpret the images and provide a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider usually within 24 hours, although depending on the complexity of the scan this may take a little longer.

You will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner. Your doctor can access your report and images electronically via a secure portal and you will be able to access your images via our patient portal.

Related information

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DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)

What is DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)?

A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a quick, low-dose imaging test that can measure bone mineral density (BMD) or body composition, including fat and muscle mass. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to assess bone health or to track changes in your body over time.

DEXA at Coolum Radiology

Bone Mineral Densitometry

Body Composition Study

Preparing for your examination

Reasons for DEXA

What to expect

When can you get your results?

Related information

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