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Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA/DXA scan)
A DEXA/DXA scan is a type of medical imaging test that utilises two x-ray beams with a different energy to accurately measure the bone density at specific locations in the body, without the influence of the surrounding soft tissues absorbing the X-ray. DEXA scan is currently the most common method used for diagnosing osteoporosis. The scan is quick, safe and requires a low radiation dose. The patient can simply lay comfortably on the patient table and the procedure can be completed within 10 minutes.
Currently, Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a highly effective method for the early detection of osteoporosis or osteopenia, which helps prevent future fractures.
What is the “T-score” in a bone density check?
A DEXA scan is a type of medical imaging test that utilises two x-ray beams with a different energy to scan a specific location or the whole body with a tiny amount of x-ray. It focuses on the examination of the lumbar vertebrae and the femur to measure bone density and loss of bone mass.
The "T-score" represents the bone mineral density value. A T-score of 0 indicates that the bone density is equal to the average of a healthy young adult. The greater the negative value of the T-score, the higher the risk of fracture, indicating more severe osteoporosis and an increased risk of future fractures.
Bone Density Scan (DEXA/ DXA)
DEXA scan is currently the most common method used for diagnosing osteoporosis. It is quick, anaesthesia-free, non-invasive, safe and reliable, and is the most commonly used method for measuring bone density. The patient can simply lay comfortably on the patient table and the procedure can be completed within 15 minutes.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the bone which leads to a reduction in bone density as we age. The density of the affected bones becomes lower and the bones become more fragile, and are therefore more likely to break, resulting in fractures.
In addition to ageing, there are also certain risk factors that contribute to the development of osteoporosis. These factors include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, inadequate exercise, prolonged immobility (e.g. after a stroke), malnutrition, calcium deficiency, or chronic drug usage (e.g. steroids,chemotherapy drugs, anticonvulsants).
A quick diagnosis of osteoporosis can be achieved by measuring bone density with a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner, which is currently a widely used method for diagnosing the condition. The examination process is fast, safe, and requires only a low radiation dose. Patients simply need to lie flat on the examination bed, and the scan will be completed within 15 minutes. This allows for the accurate measurement of bone density and facilitates the early management of osteoporosis.
Points to Note
- Avoid taking calcium supplements 24 hours prior to the scan.
- Please inform our medical staff if you have had a barium meal/ CT scan/ MRI scan/ radionuclide and molecular imaging in the past 2 weeks.
- Please inform our medical staff if you are/suspect that you are pregnant.
DEXA/DXA service is available in the following centre:
Langham Place Flagship Centre
(EC Specialists Premium PHF No.: DP000104)
L12, Langham Place Office Tower, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok (Mong Kok station Exit E1)
DEXA/DXA scan Q&A
Regular bone density test is recommended for people who are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, including menopausal women or are over 50 years old, men over 50 years old, people with a family medical history of osteoporosis, people with hyperthyroidism/ hyperparathyroidism, people with rheumatoid arthritis, people on long-term steroid medication, people with inadequate exercise, people with inadequate calcium/ vitamin D, and people with chronic alcohol/ tobacco dependence.
建議每年檢查一次，舒緩骨質疏鬆症。
定期進行骨質密度檢查，能掌控骨質健康現況，避免骨質疏鬆症及骨折風險。
Please inform our staff before the examination if you are pregnant or in doubt of pregnancy.
There are many contributing factors to osteoporosis. While calcium supplementation can help manage the condition, appropriate exercise, a balanced diet, and moderate sun exposure are also crucial. Sun exposure boosts the body's vitamin D levels, which in turn helps the body absorb calcium and reduces calcium loss.