A DEXA scan is a special type of X-ray that measures bone mineral density (BMD).
DEXA stands for “dual energy X-ray absorptiometry”. This type of scan is also often known as DXA, or “dual X-ray absorptiometry”. It’s also sometimes referred to as a bone density scan or a bone densitometry scan.
DEXA scans are often used to diagnose osteoporosis (when the bones become weak and fragile, and are more likely to break).
They can also be used to assess the risk of osteoporosis developing in women aged over 50 and in men over 60.q
As well as being quick and painless, a DEXA scan is more effective than normal X-rays in identifying low bone mineral density.
