Dexa Exam

PREP: The patient should wear confortable clothing without metal or plastic. Bone density exams should be performed prior to any barium, IV contrast or Nuclear Medicine exams. If these studies have been performed the following wait times are required: Barium study – 7 days, IV contrast – 2 days, Nuclear Medicine – 48/72 hours and 131 – 7 days.

PURPOSE: Bone Density Exam or DEXA is used to detect bone loss. Advanced bone loss is called Osteoporosis. It is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing and individual to an increased fracture risk.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The technologist will ask a series of questions to establish a patient history. The technologist will have the patient lie on the table on his/her back for a short period of time. A scan of the patient’s hip and spine and sometimes forearm will be performed. The scans will be analyzed and sent to the Radiologist for interpretation and report. The procedure is quick, painless and non-invasive.

TIME FRAME: 15 minutes to 1/2 hour

POST EXAM INFORMATION: A report on the results of your exam will be faxed to your physician. Your physician will discuss the results with you.