How accurate are bone density scans?

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A BMD test measures your bone mineral density and compares it to that of an established norm or standard to give you a score. Although no bone density test is 100-percent accurate, the BMD test is an important predictor of whether a person will have a fracture in the future.

Who makes DEXA?

The three major manufacturers of DXA instruments in the United States are Hologic (Waltham, Mass.), Lunar (Madison, Wis.), and Norland (Fort Atkinson, Wis.).

Are all DEXA scans the same?

Not all DEXA Scanners are the same All DEXA scanners should have sufficient resolution and accuracy to identify the risk factors for osteoporosis.

How often are DEXA scans wrong?

Depending on the study you read, the variability between DXA scans can be as high as 5% to 6%. Although 5% to 6% might sound like a small amount, changes in bone growth are measured down to the hundredth and even thousandth decimal point. A 5% to 6% change takes years to overcome.

Are DEXA scans reliable?

DEXA scans offer a high degree of precision and accuracy. Medical experts consider DEXA scans to be an accurate test for diagnosing osteoporosis. Unlike x-ray machines, DEXA machines are checked daily for their ability to measure bone mineral accurately, and no two DXA machines are exactly alike.

Is DEXA scan worth it?

A DEXA scan measures body composition (fat, muscle, bone). It’s considered the “gold standard,” for measuring muscle, fat, and bone composition. Meaning, it’s the best test we have right now for it. It uses two different rays that are absorbed differently by these structures in our bodies.

How long does a DEXA scan take?

An X-ray detector inside the scanning arm measures the amount of X-rays that have passed through your body. This information will be used to produce an image of the scanned area. The scan usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

What are the advantages of DEXA?

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, previously DEXA) is a simple, quick and noninvasive procedure. No anesthesia is required. The amount of radiation used is extremely small—less than one-tenth the dose of a standard chest x-ray, and less than a day’s exposure to natural radiation.

What is the best DEXA scan?

While all dexa scans calculate body composition and bone density with good precision across all manufacturers (Kohrt, 1997), the Medilink DEXA system produces the highest quality image. It has 256 detector elements, compared with GE-Lunar with 64 and Hologic 128.