Table of Contents
Is there an alternative to a DEXA scan?
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): This method calculates body fat, fat free mass, hydration level, and other body composition values by passing a small electrical signal through the body. Impedance to the signal is greatest in fat tissue, while fat free mass allows it to pass much more easily.
What is the difference between a DEXA scan and a bone density test?
A bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) your bones are. You may also hear it called a DEXA scan. Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess your risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
What is better than a DEXA scan?
In areas that do not have access to DXA, ultrasound is an acceptable way to measure bone density.
Are DEXA scans really necessary?
A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. Your risk is increased if you: have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury. have a health condition, such as arthritis, that can lead to low bone density.
Are DEXA scans necessary?
A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. Your risk is increased if you: have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury. have a health condition, such as arthritis, that can lead to low bone density.
What is the most accurate test for bone density and how is it done?
It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine. For various reasons, the DEXA scan is considered the "gold standard" or most accurate test.
Is a nuclear bone scan the same as a DEXA scan?
A DEXA bone density scan is not the same as a bone scan, which is a nuclear medicine image used to detect arthritis, fractures, infections, and tumors in the bones.
Which bone density scan is best?
Healthcare providers often recommend a DEXA scan to assess your bone health for osteoporosis and fracture risk if you are older than 50, have had a broken bone, or other illnesses that put your bone health at risk. Research shows women start losing bone mass earlier and faster than men.
Is there an alternative to a DEXA scan?
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): This method calculates body fat, fat free mass, hydration level, and other body composition values by passing a small electrical signal through the body. Impedance to the signal is greatest in fat tissue, while fat free mass allows it to pass much more easily.
What is the most accurate test for measuring bone density?
It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine. For various reasons, the DEXA scan is considered the "gold standard" or most accurate test.
Is the DEXA scan the most accurate?
DEXA scan is considered one of the most accurate tests you could do to determine body fat and muscle distribution. Results can be used to track not only changes in weight but how much fat you are losing/gaining compared to your total muscle mass.
Is QCT better than DEXA?
QCT is likely to detect low bone mass earlier than other bone mineral density exams such as DXA, thus allowing patients to make lifestyle changes or begin treatments earlier. That's because this exam uses special 3D volume software that analyzes the soft bone, which is affected by bone loss earlier than hard bone.
Is there an alternative to a DEXA scan?
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): This method calculates body fat, fat free mass, hydration level, and other body composition values by passing a small electrical signal through the body. Impedance to the signal is greatest in fat tissue, while fat free mass allows it to pass much more easily.
Which patients should not have a DEXA scan?
- Pregnancy.
- Recently had gastrointestinal contrast or radionuclides.
- Severe degenerative changes or fracture deformity in the measurement area.
- Inability to attain the correct position and/or remain motionless for the measurement.
What is the most accurate test for osteoporosis?
It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine. For various reasons, the DEXA scan is considered the "gold standard" or most accurate test.
How often should you get a DEXA scan?
How often should a DEXA scan be done? Medicare allows a DEXA scan to be done once every two years, and this is the current recommended timeframe. There are exceptions to this rule if you have certain diseases.