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DXA Scan

Bone density scans can help you understand your risk for osteoporosis so you can take steps to keep your bones as healthy as possible.

Bone Density (DXA) Scan:
A Safe and Fast Screening Test

DXA scans is used to measure the density of your bones. The test uses as small amounts of radiation to help diagnose and monitor osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and more likely to break.

A DXA scan, within just a few minutes, produces the images needed to evaluate the bone mineral (calcium) content of the bone and determine your risk for broken bones and osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break or facture. It is the most common type of bone disease.

Brittle and fragile bones can be caused by just about anything that makes your body destroy too much bone, or keeps your body from making enough new bone. Weak bones increase as you age as your body is more likely to reabsorb calcium and phosphate from your bones as you get older. Ultimately, this makes your bones weaker, more fragile and more likely to fracture. 

Preventative Measures

Preventive screening

DXA scans are most commonly used as screening tests for women age 65 or older. Diagnosing osteoporosis early can help prevent broken bones.

Diagnostic test

If you have experienced a broken bone and are older than age 65, your doctor may recommend a DXA test to check for osteoporosis.
 

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