DEXA Bone Density Scan
A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan measures bone mineral density using a very low dose of X-rays. It is the standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing how strong your bones are, helping to estimate your risk of fractures and to monitor the effect of bone-strengthening treatment over time.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) is the most widely used and accurate way to measure bone mineral density. Two low-energy X-ray beams are passed through the body — usually at the hip and lower spine — and the amount absorbed indicates how dense, and therefore how strong, the bones are. The result is reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult and is used to diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia and to estimate fracture risk. The radiation dose is very low, lower than that of a standard chest X-ray.
International patients are supported by a coordinator who arranges the scan and, where helpful, links it to an endocrine or metabolic-bone consultation. If you have a previous DEXA report from abroad, our specialists can compare it with the new scan to see how your bone density has changed, provide a second-opinion reading, and give you a clear, personalised cost estimate before your visit.
Who is a candidate?
- Postmenopausal women and older men, who are at higher risk of bone loss
- People who have had a fracture after a minor fall or injury (a fragility fracture)
- Patients on long-term steroids or other medicines that can weaken bone
- Those with conditions affecting bone, such as hormone, hormonal-gland or metabolic disorders
- People with a strong family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
- Patients already on bone-strengthening treatment who need to monitor its effect
What happens
- 1
Preparation
Almost no preparation is needed. You may be asked to avoid calcium supplements for about 24 hours beforehand and to wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners. Tell the team if you have recently had a scan using contrast or a radiotracer, or if you are or might be pregnant.
- 2
During the scan
You lie on your back on a padded table while a scanning arm passes slowly over your hip and lower spine. You stay fully clothed in most cases and simply keep still and breathe normally. The scan is completely painless and takes only a few minutes.
- 3
Measurements and scoring
The scanner measures bone mineral density at each site and the system calculates your scores. Sometimes the forearm is also scanned, or a vertebral assessment is added to check for small spinal fractures.
- 4
Afterwards & results
There is no recovery time and you can return to normal activity straight away. A specialist reviews the measurements and a written report — including your T-score and fracture-risk assessment — is usually ready within 24–48 hours for your doctor to discuss with you.
Benefits
- The standard, accurate test for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk
- Uses a very low radiation dose — lower than a standard X-ray
- Quick, painless and requires you to do almost nothing to prepare
- Non-invasive, with no injection and no recovery time
- Allows precise monitoring of how bone density changes with treatment over time
Risks & considerations
- Involves a very small dose of ionising radiation, though far lower than most other X-ray tests
- Generally avoided in pregnancy as a precaution, even though the dose is tiny
- Severe spinal arthritis, prior fractures or metal implants can affect the accuracy of spine measurements
- A recent scan using contrast or a radiotracer can interfere with results, so timing matters
- It measures bone density only and does not by itself explain the cause of bone loss, which may need further tests
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Radiology & Imaging Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
DEXA Bone Density Scan — frequently asked questions
The price depends on how many sites are scanned and whether a vertebral fracture assessment is added. We give you a clear, personalised estimate before your visit and confirm exactly what is included.
Yes. If you bring or send your previous DEXA report, our specialists can compare it with your new scan to see how your bone density has changed over time and provide a second-opinion reading — this trend is often more useful than a single result.
Very little. A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of X-rays — lower than a standard chest X-ray and a small fraction of a CT scan — which is why it can be repeated safely to monitor your bones over time.
No. The scan is completely painless, needs no injection, and you usually stay fully clothed. You simply lie still on a table for a few minutes while a scanning arm passes over you.
The T-score compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult. In general, a score around normal is reassuring, a moderately low score suggests reduced bone density (osteopenia), and a markedly low score indicates osteoporosis. Your doctor interprets the score together with your overall fracture risk and gives advice.
This depends on your results and whether you are on treatment. Because DEXA is accurate and very low-dose, it can be repeated periodically — often every one to two years — to track changes and check that treatment is working. Your specialist will recommend the right interval for you.
Considering dexa bone density scan?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.