What Is a Bone Density Scan?
What Is a DEXA Scan Used For?
Your provider uses a DEXA scan for multiple reasons:
- Diagnose osteoporosis or low bone density (osteopenia)
- Evaluate your risk of breaking a bone
- Track changes in your bone density
How Often Should You Get a DEXA Scan?
Doctors recommend osteoporosis screenings based on your age and other risk factors for osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis will need a DEXA scan every 1–2 years.
Age for DEXA Scan
Women 65 and older and men 70 and older need DEXA scans to screen for osteoporosis. Your provider may recommend getting a DEXA scans earlier if you have a medical history of certain health conditions or treatments:
- Early menopause
- Low testosterone in men
- Overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands
- Malabsorption disorders that affect how your gut absorbs calcium and vitamin D, such as celiac disease or colitis
- Organ transplantation
- Use of long-term steroids
- Cancer treatments that lower estrogen and testosterone levels
- Weight loss surgery
DEXA Scan Preparation
Our team will give you instructions to prepare for a DEXA scan. You usually don’t need to do anything special. However, we recommend that you don't take calcium supplements on the day of your scan.
What to Wear for a DEXA Scan
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for your DEXA scan. You will need to avoid wearing metal jewelry and any clothing that contains metal, such as a zipper, button, or clasp. Metal can interfere with DEXA test results. We will ask you to change into an exam gown if you’re wearing any clothing that contains metal.
What to Expect at Your DEXA Scan
How Is a DEXA Scan Done?
- You will lie face-up on a padded table. You may need to place your foot in a device that positions your hip inward.
- One scanner will move above your hips and lower spine. Another scanner will move beneath the exam table.
- You will need to stay still during the scan and you may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds as the scanners move around you.
- The scanners will send both images to a computer, which will combine the images into one picture for your providers to view.
How Long Does a DEXA Scan Take?
The test usually takes around 15–30 minutes. You will be in the machine for about 5-10 minutes.
DEXA Scan Side Effects
DEXA scans cause no side effects. These tests use very low radiation doses that are considered safe for most people.
It’s important to note that any radiation is unsafe for pregnant patients because it can harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or think you could be.
DEXA Scan Near Me at University of Utah Health
At U of U Health, bone density scans are reported by both our radiologists and endocrinologists. If your DEXA scan shows osteopenia or osteoporosis, your primary care provider may manage your condition or send you to an endocrinologist for further treatment at the Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Health Program. We offer DEXA scans in multiple convenient locations.
Farmington Health Center
Phone: 801-213-3200
165 N. University Ave
Farmington, UT 84025
Greenwood Health Center
Phone: 801-213-9400
7495 S. State Street
Midvale, UT 84047
Redwood Health Center
Phone: 801-213-9900
1525 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
South Jordan Health Center
Phone: 801-213-4500
5126 W. Daybreak Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84009
Sugar House Health Center
Phone: 801-581-2000
1280 E. Stringham Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Utah Diabetes & Endocrinology Center
Phone: 801-581-7761
615 Arapeen Drive , 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Schedule Multiple Health Screenings in One Visit
Our 5 for Life program offers DEXA scans along with testing for heart disease, breast cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, mental health, and sexual health in just over two hours. 5 for Life takes place monthly at several Wasatch Front locations, making it easy for you to get important routine screenings. Call 801-213-9219 to schedule your 5 for Life screening.
DEXA Scan Results
Your health care provider will review your bone density scan results with you after the test. You will receive your results in the form of a T-score. A T-score compares your bone density with the bone density of the average healthy young person:
- -1.0 or higher: Normal bone density.
- -1.1 to -2.4: Low bone density (osteopenia), which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.
- -2.5 or less: Osteoporosis.
How Accurate Is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA scans measure your bone density very accurately. Health care providers consider these tests to be the best available test to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis.
Each DXA machine is slightly different. Your provider will complete your bone density scan on the same machine each time. This will help ensure accuracy when comparing your current results with previous results.
How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost?
The cost of a DEXA scan will vary depending on your insurance coverage. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover DEXA scans with low or no out-of-pocket costs. Our team will help you understand your costs and insurance coverage before your appointment. If you don't have insurance, out-of-pocket costs may be between $300–$500.
Next Steps After DEXA Scan
If you have osteoporosis or low bone density, your provider will likely recommend testing and some lifestyle changes to prevent further bone loss and lower your risk of fractures:
- Blood and urine tests to look for causes of low bone density
- Spine X-rays to look for painless fractures
- Optimize your calcium and vitamin D intake
- Exercise regularly
- Prevent falls
- Take medications to improve your bone density
Your primary care provider may treat you or may refer you to an endocrinologist from the Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Health Program. Call 801-581-7761 to refer a patient to an endocrinologist.
