What is a Dexa?
DEXA Bone Mineral Density is the estimation of the bone density in your spine and hip – sometimes other bones such as the wrist.
Please advise us beforehand If you are, or think you may be, pregnant.
Please inform booking staff or the radiographer of any recent imaging appointments involving barium, the injection of contrast material for a CT scan or a radioisotope injection.
No preparation required.
A Bone Mineral Densitometry examination is a comfortable, easy test that does not require an injection. You change into a gown. You will be asked to lie on your back in two different positions to allow measurement of the lower spine and one of the hips. The technique used in the test uses a very small amount of radiation, so please inform staff if there is any possibility of pregnancy. A radiographer will remain in the room for the entire examination.
Approx. 15-30 minutes.
There are no restrictions after having this procedure.
After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myAMI patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. AMI will store digital copies of all studies on your secure database for comparison with any future examinations
**Please bring any previous X-rays with you.
What is a Total Body Composition Measurement?
Total Body Composition Measurement with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) can look beyond weight and the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine accurate body fat distribution, muscle and bone mass.
Body composition measurements provide important information for management of many diseases, including anorexia nervosa, growth hormone deficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and paralysis. Total Body Composition Measurement also empowers athletes and personal trainers to make effective decisions on the training regimens they use to achieve best performance and monitor the effects of diet or exercise.
Please advise us beforehand
As a very small dose of radiation is used in a DEXA scan, please advise us if you are, or think you may be, pregnant. Please also advise if you have had any recent spinal surgery or other tests using contrast media.
When you arrive, your height and weight will be measured to allow information to be generated about your bone density.
You will be asked to lay on a padded table. There is an X-ray generator located below and an imaging device positioned above.
To image your spine, your legs will be placed on a padded box. To image your hip, your foot will be placed in a brace in order to rotate your hip inward. During both processes, the imaging device will slowly pass over the area. It is very important you remain very still throughout this process.
Tests for your fingers, hand, foot and forearm are done simply by placing them in a small device to obtain a bone density reading.
Approx. 15 minutes.
There are no restrictions after having a Total Body Composition Measurement.
Total Body Composition Report Summary
Individualised Results- Client reports take into account measurements, age, gender and ethnicity.
Lean Muscle Mass- see real results of all your dieting and hard work in the gym.
Fat Percentage- most accurate measurement of body fat possible.
Body Composition- see your exact body composition, down to the gram.
Bone Density- as part of the test, your bone mineral density is checked.
Body Composition Trend- scans can be compared to see exactly how your body has changed.
Body Mass Index (BMI)- BMI does not distinguish between fat and lean weight. therefore BMI is not a good indicator of ideal body weight for individuals with above average lean muscle mass.
