DEXA Scan (DXA): Bone Density Test, What Is It & How It's Done

What is a DXA scan?

A DXA scan is an imaging test that measures the strength of your bones. It uses X-rays to measure your bone density. DXA is an abbreviation for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

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Healthcare providers sometimes refer to DXA scans as bone density scans, DXA scans or bone density tests. All of these are different names that refer to the same test. They used to be known as DEXA scans or DEXA tests, but healthcare providers don’t use that term anymore.

What is a DXA scan used to diagnose?

A healthcare provider might use a DXA scan to check your bones in a few situations, including to:

• Diagnose osteoporosis.
• Diagnose osteopenia.
• Check your bone fracture risk.

Your provider might use a bone density test to see how your bones have changed over time, including:

• Measuring the natural amount of bone loss that happens as you age and tracking your bone loss over time.
• Evaluating your bone density before you start a treatment or medication that can weaken your bones as a side effect.
• Checking if your bones are responding to treatment for osteoporosis or osteopenia.

When will I need a DXA scan?

Anyone might need their bone density checked with a DXA scan. Your healthcare provider will suggest one if they want to check your bone density and fracture risk.

Some people have a naturally higher risk of developing osteoporosis and other conditions that affect their bone density. Groups who need regular DXA scans include:

• Females older than 65.
• Males older than 70.
• People older than 50 who’ve broken a bone in the past.
• People whose biological parents or grandparents have osteoporosis.
• People who’ve lost an inch and a half or more of height from their tallest height (usually when you’re in your 20s).

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People younger than the ages above who have an increased risk of bone loss may need regular DXA scans, too. Your provider will tell you when (and how often) you should get your bone density checked.

Some health conditions or certain medications can increase your risk for bone density issues, including:

• Some autoimmune diseases.
• Smoking or using other tobacco products.
• Alcohol use disorder or drinking more than three servings of alcohol per day.
• Vitamin D deficiency.
• Corticosteroids.
• Some types of cancer medication.
• Certain immunosuppressants.
• Hormone suppressants.
• Some types of seizure medications.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that treat acid reflux and GERD.
• Heparin (a blood thinner).