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What is DEXA Scan
Bone Mineral Densitometry, commonly known as DXA or DEXA scanning, is a specialized imaging technique that precisely measures bone density to assess bone strength.
This non-invasive test uses two low-dose X-ray beams to determine the mineral content of your bones.
Our advanced DEXA scanner provide accurate assessments of bone health, helping to diagnose osteoporosis, assess fracture risk, and monitor response to treatment.
What to Expect with DEXA Scan
Before Your DEXA Scan
- Simple Preparation: DEXA scans require minimal preparation. You will be required to change into hospital gown.
- Medication Considerations: Inform our staff about any calcium supplements or osteoporosis medications you have taken within 24 hours of your scan, as these may influence your results.
- Pregnancy Screening: Women of childbearing age will be asked about pregnancy status, as DEXA scans, while using very low radiation, are generally avoided during pregnancy.
- Recent Imaging Studies: Please inform us if you have had any barium studies or contrast-enhanced imaging within the past two weeks, as these may interfere with scan accuracy.
During Your DEXA Scan
- Comfortable Positioning: You will lie on a padded table while our specialized scanner passes over your body. The most commonly scanned areas are the lower spine and hip, though sometimes the forearm is also examined.
- Movement during scan: It is important to lie still during the scan to ensure accurate results. The radiographer will help you maintain a comfortable position.
- Quick Procedure: A standard DEXA scan is remarkably quick, typically taking only 10-20 minutes.
After Your DEXA Scan
- Immediate Return to Activities: You can resume all normal activities immediately after your DEXA scan with no restrictions.
- Results Processing: Your scan data will be analyzed using specialized software that compares your bone density to standard reference values.
- Expert Interpretation: Our radiologist will interpret the scan data and the result will usually be ready within the same day.
- Follow-up Recommendations: Based on your results, your referring physician will discuss appropriate next steps, which may include lifestyle modifications, supplements, or medication.
Benefits of DEXA Scanning
DEXA scanning offers numerous advantages for bone health assessment:
- Gold Standard Accuracy: DEXA is recognized worldwide as the most accurate and reliable method for measuring bone mineral density.
- Early Detection: Identifies bone loss before a fracture occurs, allowing for preventive treatment when it is most effective.
- Treatment Monitoring: Precisely tracks changes in bone density over time, helping evaluate the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments.
- Multi-site Measurement: Assesses bone density at multiple important skeletal sites, providing a comprehensive evaluation of overall bone health.
- Minimal Radiation Exposure: Uses low radiation doses—typically less than one-tenth of a standard chest X-ray.
Safety Information
DEXA scanning is considered very safe for several reasons:
- Ultra-Low Radiation: The radiation exposure from a DEXA scan is equivalent to approximately one day of natural background radiation.
- No Contrast Materials: Unlike many other imaging studies, DEXA scans don’t require contrast agents, eliminating any risk of allergic reactions.
- Non-Invasive Nature: There are no needles, injections, or invasive components to the procedure.
- Pregnancy Precautions: As a precautionary measure, DEXA scans are not performed on pregnant women.
Who Should Get DEXA Scans
DEXA bone density testing is recommended for:
- Postmenopausal Women: Particularly those not taking estrogen who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis.
- Adults with Fracture Risk Factors: Including low body weight, previous fracture, high alcohol consumption, smoking, or family history of osteoporosis.
- Individuals on Certain Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, certain anti-seizure medications, or hormonal treatments for prostate or breast cancer can affect bone density.
- People with Specific Medical Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, early menopause, hormone deficiencies, or malabsorption disorders increase osteoporosis risk.
- Men over the 70 and Women Over 65: Routine screening is recommended.
- Individuals Monitoring Treatment: Those already diagnosed with low bone mass who are receiving treatment to evaluate effectiveness.
- Anyone with Unexplained Bone Fractures: Especially fractures that occur with minimal trauma.
Your doctor will determine if a DEXA scan is appropriate based on your individual risk factors and medical history.
Contact Information
To schedule a DEXA scan appointment at our facility, please call +603-2096 1033 or click on the Contact Us link. Our imaging team will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions you might have about the procedure.
FAQ
How much does a DEXA scan cost in Malaysia?
The cost of DEXA scan services in Malaysia typically ranges from RM150 to RM350. This price varies depending on whether you are having a single-site scan (like hip or spine) or a more comprehensive evaluation.
How do I prepare for a DEXA scan?
Preparation for a DEXA scan is minimal. You will be required to change into a hospital gown. Avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your test. Inform our staff if you have had recent barium studies, nuclear medicine tests, or contrast material injections, as these may affect your results. You can eat normally before the procedure—no fasting is required.
The scan itself takes only 10-20 minutes, making it one of the simplest medical imaging procedures.
How often should I have a DEXA scan?
For most people being monitored for osteoporosis or low bone mass, DEXA scans are typically recommended every 1-2 years. However, this interval varies based on individual factors such as previous test results, risk factors, and whether you are starting or changing treatments.
Initial screening recommendations vary by age and risk factors—women typically begin screening at menopause or age 65, while men often start at age 70 unless they have specific risk factors.
Your doctor will recommend the appropriate frequency for your specific situation.
Can I take my medications before a DEXA scan?
Most medications can be taken as usual before a DEXA scan. However, if you take calcium or vitamin D supplements, your doctor might recommend stopping them 24 hours before your test for the most accurate results.
Always inform the radiographer about all medications you are currently taking, especially those prescribed for osteoporosis, as they may affect how your results are interpreted. Never discontinue prescribed medications without consulting your doctor first.
What is the difference between a DEXA scan and other bone density tests?
DEXA is considered the gold standard for bone density measurement due to its precision, low radiation exposure, and ability to measure central skeletal sites (spine and hip) where osteoporotic fractures commonly occur.
Other technologies like quantitative ultrasound (measures heel bone) and peripheral DEXA (measures wrist or heel) may be used for screening but are less comprehensive. CT-based tests provide detailed 3D images but involve higher radiation exposure. DEXA uniquely combines accuracy, safety, accessibility, and the ability to monitor subtle changes over time, making it the preferred choice for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
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