DXA Scanning

Osteoporosis Testing - DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, often (and unfortunately) discovered when a fracture occurs. If your doctor has prescribed a DXA scan, the following information should be helpful to you.

Preparing for your DXA scan

Carroll Arthritis, P.A. uses a GE Lunar Prodigy bone density scanner, which is a “central” scanner, the gold standard in bone density testing. Four areas will be scanned – lumbar spine, both hips and the forearm. The test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Each patient will complete a DXA Risk Assessment Questionnaire prior to the test and height and weight will be measured. We ask patients to wear comfortable clothes. DO NOT take a calcium supplement or osteoporosis medication on the morning of the scan. Partially digested calcium pills in the intestines will look like a white streak over the scanned area and block the computer’s view of the bones. Unlike x-rays, mammograms, or other radiology tests, it is absolutely important to be scanned at the same facility and on the same DXA machine from year-to-year. This insures the most accurate follow-up data for monitoring a patient’s progress.

Reporting of results

The DXA scan computer will report actual bone mineral density of each site scanned. More importantly, a t-score and a z-score will be given. The t-score compares the patient to healthy normal young people of the patient’s same ethnic group, whereas, the z-score compares the patient to people of their own age, gender and ethnic group. Additionally, a FRAX score is calculated. The World Health Organization developed this tool to predict the patient’s risk of fracturing in the next 10 years. The FRAX score is based on scan results, patient risk factors and medical conditions. All these variables give the health care provider valuable information to both diagnose and decide on appropriate treatments. A DXA scan report is sent to you and to your health care provider.

Should you need treatment…

Treatment for osteoporosis and low bone mass (formerly called osteopenia) usually consists of adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, exercise, eliminating controllable risk factors, such as smoking, and can include a prescription for one of the osteoporosis medications (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Evista, Forteo). At Carroll Arthritis, P.A., we have the capability to administer intravenous Boniva and Reclast in our infusion center.

The providers and staff at Carroll Arthritis, P.A. are focused on prevention of osteoporosis by patient education, routine scanning and modification of risk factors. An invaluable resource is the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org