Bone density scan DXA / DEXA
Measures bone mineral content using a very low X-ray dose, usually at the lumbar spine and hip.
What it can show
Bone mineral density, used to track change over years.
What it cannot show
Says nothing about whether a bone hurts, and does not predict with certainty whether an individual will fracture.
This is the half people skip. A normal result answers one question, not every question.
Tell the staff before you start
Pregnancy · a contrast study within the past few days.
Also bring the full list of every medicine and supplement you take. Things bought without a prescription belong on that list too.