DEXA SCAN / BMD
DEXA / BMD scan is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fracture risk even before symptoms arise. Additionally it can also assess BMI and whole body fat analysis can be performed.
In India due to a predominant vegetarian diet leading to a deficiency of vitamin D we are at high risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis means porous and weak bones, which are prone to fractures. Osteoporosis and osteopenia can be easily detected by DEXA and treatment initiated by a regular screening by DEXA scan.
It is very important to measure bone density in postmenopausal women and for those under certain medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive, chemotherapy which decrease the bone density.
Preparation & Scan Process:
- Stop calcium supplements 24 - 48 hours before the scan. You should avoid wearing metal jewelry or clothes with metal parts, such as buttons or buckles. No fasting required. No food restrictions.
- The scan is painless; patient lies supine for ~30 minutes while images of spine, hip, and forearm are captured.
- The machine generates BMD values and body composition data if needed.
Who requires a bone density scan?
- Anyone with a fracture and who the doctor may suspect to have reduced bone density.
- Women after menopause, particularly if they have risk factors.
- Men over60 years of age or earlier if they have certain risk factors.
- Individuals taking medications affecting bone (e.g., corticosteroids), or with conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis, Thyroid disease, Liver/Renal disease, long-term endocrine disorders.
- Patients with an X-ray of the spine showing a bone with fracture or density loss
- Patients with back pain.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Long-time use of tobacco or alcohol.
- Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
- Having medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Being an older male with risk factors for weak bones or osteoporosis.
During a central DEXA scan:
A DEXA (DXA) (BMD) scan is a quick and painless procedure that involves you being supine on the machine so the scanner can scan your body producing bone density levels. For bone density of your fore arms you will sit up and the forearms individually will be scanned. It takes 10 -15 minutes for the scan to be finished. You may be able to remain fully clothed, depending on the area of your body being scanned. However, you’ll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown
Whole body fat analysis:
- DEXA for whole body fat analysis is based on a three-compartment model that divides the body into total body mineral, fat-free soft (lean) mass, and fat tissue mass.
- DEXA uses a whole body scanner that has two low-dose x-rays at different sources that read bone and soft tissue mass simultaneously The scanner passes across a person's reclining body with data collected at 0.5 cm intervals.
- A scan takes between 10-20 minutes. It is safe and non-invasive, although a person must lie still throughout the procedure.
- DEXA is the new gold standard because it provides a higher degree of precision in only one measurement and has the ability to show exactly where fat is distributed throughout the body.
- It is very reliable and its results extremely repeatable; in addition, the method is safe and presents little burden to the subject.
Key Benefits & Clinical Value
- Early detection of low bone mass or osteoporosis, enabling preventive treatment.
- Very low radiation exposure (~0.001 mSv), significantly less than standard X-rays.
- Validated quantification of fracture risk using T-score and optional tools like FRAX or Trabecular Bone Score (TBS).
When should the test be repeated?
If you are on medicines for correcting bone density, the test should be repeated once a year or once every two years at the very least. Your doctor will decide how often you need testing depending on your condition.
What can DEXA testing do?
- Tell you if you have reduced bone density
- Predict you risk of having a fracture in the future
- Measure if the bone density is improving or getting worse
- Monitor treatment outcomes
Are there any risks to the test?
A bone density scan uses very low doses of radiation. It is safe for most people. But it is not recommended during pregnancy. Be sure to tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
For those seeking advanced and reliable DEXA scan services in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Neptune Diagnostics offers state-of-the-art imaging with a patient-centric approach. Known for accuracy, safety, and expert reporting, Neptune Diagnostics ensures comprehensive bone health assessment along with whole-body composition analysis, making it a trusted choice for preventive and diagnostic care in the region.
Visit : Neptune Diagnostics and Fetal Medicine center
Address : 1st Floor, Sapphire Business Annexe, 102, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, near Rajawadi Signal, behind Sejal Jewellers, Raja Wadi, Maheshwar Nagar, Sindhu Wadi, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077
Contact Number : 9930288288 / 8080807431