DEXA Scans

DEXA Scans in Beaumont

High-Accuracy Imaging to Make Better Diagnoses

While there are many scans available to check for vascular function and tissue health, bones require a specific scan using what is known as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). As people grow older, their bones naturally lose mineral density and become more brittle. To better understand how to move forward with treatments and medication, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas offers DEXA scans to help patients understand how they can best preserve their health.

What Is a DEXA Scan?

These imaging techniques pass a small amount of radiation through bones in the spine and in the hip and record how much is able to travel through bone and soft tissue and make it to the other side. By comparing different measurements, radiologists can determine how much mineral density a patient’s bones contain as well as how quickly the density is depleting. Measurements can be as sensitive as 2% different.

Why Undergo a DEXA Scan?

Bone diseases like osteoporosis do not appear right away. While a person may experience its symptoms, having a DEXA scan performed can help a person know exactly how healthy their bones are and make choices accordingly.

Scans can be used to:

  • Detect the bone disease osteoporosis
  • Identify risk factors that may later turn into osteoporosis
  • Make decisions about hormone treatments following menopause

Preparing for a DEXA Scan

While these scans are usually very simple and do not require much preparation, it is important that you wear clothing that is free of metal, including jewelry, buttons, and buckles. During the scan, you will lie down on a table and have both your hip and your spine scanned at the same time. Unless you suffer from back pain of some sort, lying on the table for the scan will not provide any unusual discomfort.