Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Scan

UPMC imaging experts use dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology to accurately screen for and diagnose bone disorders, ensuring that you receive the most advanced care.

What Is A DXA Scan?

A DXA (pronounced DEX-a) scan is a painless, noninvasive test to measure bone mineral density (BMD). DXA scans — also known as bone densitometry, bone density, or DEXA scans — leading-edge DXA technology to diagnose osteoporosis and bone loss, and provide data on body composition.

Types of DXA scans

There are two types of DXA scans:

• Central DXA — The most accurate type of DXA scan, which measures bone density in your hip and spine.
• Peripheral DXA — Measures bone density in smaller areas of your body, such as your wrist, finger, heel, or leg.

Conditions we diagnose with DXA scans

• Osteopenia, the first stage of bone loss.
• Osteoporosis.
• Thinning of bones.

Why Would I Need A DXA Scan?

Your doctor may recommend a DXA scan to screen for osteoporosis. They may also recommend a DXA scan if you have symptoms of bone loss.

DXA scans are the most accurate way to diagnose:

• Bone thinning that can cause fractures in aging men and women.
• Osteopenia.
• Osteoporosis.

DXA scans also provide data on body composition, including body fat percentage and muscle mass.

Who’s a candidate for a DXA scan?

DXA scans are safe for most people. You may be a candidate for a DXA scan if you meet criteria for osteoporosis screening or if you have symptoms of bone loss.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women over age 65 and younger postmenopausal women at higher risk of osteoporosis have a DXA scan to screen for signs of bone loss.

Who should not have a DXA scan?

You should not have a DXA scan if you are or might be pregnant.

Also, do not have a DXA test if you've had another scan with contrast dye in the last seven days, such as:

• Barium enema.
• Upper GI.
• Some CT scans.
• Thyroid test.

Alternatives to DXA scan

• X-ray imaging.

What Are the Risks and Complications of DXA Scans?

DXA scans are painless and non-invasive, making them safe for most people. However, because they use low doses of radiation, they are not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the benefits of a DXA scan?

When compared to traditional x-ray images, the benefits of a DXA scan include:

• More accurate diagnosis — The most accurate way to assess your risk of bone fractures, so you can receive early treatment and prevent further bone loss.
• More precise images — Provides detailed pictures of bone and soft tissue, showing small bone density changes.
• Noninvasive and painless — A fast, simple test that does not require anesthesia.
• Reduced radiation exposure — Uses less radiation than you receive in a day from natural radiation exposure, leaving no remaining radiation in your body after the scan.

What Should I Expect From a DXA Scan?

Before: How to prepare for a DXA scan

If you take calcium supplements, you will need to stop taking them 24 to 48 hours before your DXA scan.

On the day of your test:

• Do not take medicines for osteopenia or osteoporosis if you usually take them.
• Don't wear jewelry or clothes with metal zippers, belts, or buttons.
• Eat normally.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• You may need to remove any external devices that manage diabetes or other health issues.

How long does a DXA scan take?

A DXA scan takes five to 10 minutes. However, plan to spend about 30 minutes at the imaging center.

During your DXA scan

You must lie very still during your DXA scan so the images are clear and crisp.

Before the test begins, be sure to:

• Tell your technologist if you have had any hip or back injuries.
• Take off any metal jewelry.

Next, your imaging technologist will ask you to lie down on a table with the scanner above you.

The DXA scanner will:

• Pass over your body and send a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-ray radiation through your bones to measure your BMD. The amount of radiation is less than 1/10 the dose of a standard chest x-ray.
• Take a picture of your skeleton based on how much the x-rays changed after passing through your bones.
• Match your BMD with the average values for your age and gender. Your doctor will use this data to design your treatment plan.

Recovery after DXA scan

You can resume your normal activities immediately after your DXA scan. A radiologist will review your scans and report the results to your doctor.

When to call your doctor about complications

You should not experience any complications after your DXA scan.

What do my DXA scan test results mean?

The results of your DXA scan have two scores: T score and Z score.

What does a T score mean on a DXA scan?

T score shows the amount of bone you have compared to a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass. It also assesses your risk of bone fractures.

T scores:

• Above -1 — Normal.
• Between -1 and -2.5 — Osteopenia, the first stage of bone loss.
• Below -2.5 — Osteoporosis.

What does a Z score mean on a DXA scan?

Z score shows the amount of bone you have compared to others of the same size and gender in your age group.

If your Z score is unusually high or low, you may need more tests to rule out other health issues.

Why Choose UPMC for your DXA Scan?

When you choose UPMC for your DXA scan, you will receive:

• Access to advanced imaging technology — Our experts use the latest imaging technology to quickly and accurately diagnose a full range of health conditions.
• Convenient imaging services — Imaging appointments are available at multiple locations with hours that fit your schedule.
• Multidisciplinary care — We partner with OB/GYN, vascular, gastrointestinal, kidney, urology, endocrine, breast, and other medical specialists to screen for and diagnose all types of disorders.

---

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-08-28.