The doctors suggest conducting a DEXA scans if you are suffering from bone issues. Mainly, it is used to ensure, if you have developed osteoporosis. The full form of DEXA is Dual energy X-Ray, and it is commonly called X-Ray absorptiometry. The spine and the hip are the two targeted areas of the DEXA scan. In case, if you cannot conduct a DEXA scan for those parts, you can choose your forearm for the test.

Why is a DEXA scan required?

The chief purpose of this scan is to detect the brittle or weak bones. It will help you to predict whether there is a chance of future bone fracture or not. Also, sometimes, it helps to acknowledge if you need medications for your bone. After getting done with the initial scanning, doctors also use DEXA scan to track the progression of the bones. Apart from all these, there are other reasons, for which you may have to take a DEXA test.

• If your spine suffered bone loss or break and that comes in the X-Ray.
• If you are going through a back pain that may happen due to spine break.
• In case, if you witness a loss in height by half-inch or more within one year.
• Also, if you experience a total height loss of an inch or by half an inch.

Limitations of DEXA scan

Well, the DEXA scan is confined within some limits. In most of the cases, the central DEXA machine is not capable of determining the bone density of people who are more than 300 pounds. Few machines can evaluate the bone density of the people up to 400 pounds, but those machines are not widely used.

People who must avoid DEXA scan

Certain people must stay away from the DEXA scan. If these people go through a bone density test, there is a possibility that it will worsen the situations. Let’s check out the list of people who should not go through this test.

• Women above 65 years of age.
• Men above 70 years of age.
• If you break your bones after 50 years of age.
• Women with menopausal age who have certain risk factors.
• Women with the post-menopausal stage.
• A man between the age of 50 and 69.

When do you need to repeat the DEXA test?

After you go through the first DEXA test, you need to get another DEXA test to track the progression of the bones. Also, if you are going through any medications, you have to take the DEXA test to monitor the progress. You have to do this test in one year or two years, as recommended by the doctor.

How to understand this test?

There is a specific way to understand this test. Your T-Score will determine it:

• A T-score of -1.0 or above - Normal
• A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 - Low bone density
• A T-Score of -2.5 or below - Diagnosed with Osteoporosis

So, these are the things that you need to know about the DEXA scan. And if you are residing in Morristown, New Jersey, you can go to Radiology center at Harding. They will provide you with the best equipment and results.