A DEXA scan is performed to measure your bone density. The scan uses a small dose of X-ray radiation. By measuring the bone density of your hip and lumbar vertebrae, we can determine if you have osteoporosis. During the examination, the device also takes a picture of the vertebrae (this is called VFA or vertebral height measurement). This shows how high the vertebrae are and whether you have broken vertebrae.
Why do I need this exam?
Bones are largely made up of calcium. Over the course of your life, your bone density decreases. This means the amount of calcium in your bones goes down and your bones become less strong. If this loss is too significant, it is called decalcification or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can cause your bones to break more easily than normal. Eating habits, exercise, smoking, medication and female hormones affect osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be treated effectively, reducing the risk of fractures. With a VFA, we can see whether a vertebral fracture has occurred without you noticing. A vertebral fracture does not usually cause acute symptoms, but it does increase the risk of more bone fractures in the future.
What will we do?
Prior to the exam, your length and weight are recorded. You will have to partially undress for this exam. You must take off any clothing with metal components. If you have any metal components in your hip or back, be sure to inform the lab technician beforehand.
During this exam, you will lie on your back on a table. The X-ray scanner will move over your abdomen at a height of circa forty centimetres. The X-ray machine is used to measure the bone density of your hip and lumbar vertebrae. Afterwards, another image is taken of your vertebrae to detect any vertebral fractures.
Then, computer calculations are made of the average density of the bone in your hip and lumbar vertebrae. This is compared with the normal value for your age and gender. From this, it can be deduced whether you have osteoporosis and to what extent. Vertebral height measurements can also determine whether you have broken vertebrae and to what extent. The radiologist will record these findings in the report to your GP.
Duration of the exam
The DEXA scan will take circa 30 minutes in total.
How soon can you see me?
We want to help you as quickly as possible, which is why we keep the waiting times short at Diagnostiek voor U. Take a look at the current overview of waiting times for the various exams or read more about our waiting times on this page.
The results
We will send the results of your examination to your general practitioner. Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or nurse practitioner to discuss your results.
You can also check the results of your exam in the MijnDiagnostiekvoorU client portal. You are free to choose whether you want to look at your results before discussing them with your caregiver.
