The whole world is fighting against COVID-19. Even the finest of health care systems and economies are collapsing due to this COVID 19. To be precise, the situation is chaotic like never.
During this situation, if someone is suffering from osteoporosis, it will be an additional issue. However, COVID-19 is not the only health issue that we are suffering from. There are other health issues as well, and osteoporosis is one of them.
Therefore, let us check how COVID-19 affects our bone density and how it influences the DEXA scan.
What is the procedure of doing a DEXA scan?
Let us fathom the procedure of a DEXA scan. Knowing the procedure will provide you with a brief idea about how COVID-19 can influence the procedure. To be precise, you will understand whether it affects the DEXA bone density or not.
One of the impressive parts of the DEXA scan is that you don't need to make any preparation for it. Also, there is no need for changing your diet, during the day of your scan. However, if you are consuming calcium supplements, you have to stop it before the 24 hours of your scan. So, here is the procedure that you should know.
- Before the scan
An x-ray technician will conduct the scanning process. Whenever you are going for the scan you have to put on the oxygen gown. Besides, you have to remove all the metal objects such as watches, eyeglasses, and jewelry.
- During the scan
When the scanning is going on you will witness that there is an imaging arm. That arm moves slowly and emits low-dose energy. That low-dose energy passes through your body. Most of the time, when the technician is performing the DEXA scan, he or she will scan the hips and spines. Well, these are the common locations of the people who are suffering from the issue of osteoporosis.
- Safety and precautions
If you are going through the scan, make sure that you have to make sure that you are standing still. Or else, there is a possibility that it will make the image blurry. Also, you don't need to worry as there is no pain involved with this scan. It almost takes 30 minutes for completion.
Well, in the case of most people, it is safe. However, it uses x-ray energy and for that reason, you get exposed to radiation. Therefore, we would suggest you get in touch with a doctor if you are pregnant.
So, you can see that there is nothing about COVID-19 that can make changes in the DEXA result. However, if you are suffering from osteoporosis, it will affect your immunity, which is imperative to fight COVID-19. Hence, early detection of osteoporosis is important so that you can take the necessary steps and protect yourself.
In case, if you are looking for a center where you can conduct a DEXA scanning, Radiology center at Harding. It is residing at Morristown, New Jersey. They have all the tools and a bunch of experts that will help you to get the best results.
