With the use of two x-ray beams of different energy levels, we can accurately measure the bone mineral density at a specific body region without the effect of soft tissue x-ray attenuation. This is why the bone densitometry exam is called “Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)”
DEXA is the most widely used method to diagnose and follow up osteoporosis nowadays. The process is fast, safe and of low radiation dose. During the exam, you just need to lie down on the couch, and the whole process will be finished within 10 minutes.
