Reasons for a Dexa Scan Test

It's time for your yearly checkup. As you hear the nurse call your name, you mentally prepare yourself for the plethora of tests to come. You are used to the needle pricks, the blood pressure check, and the many times that you are asked to take a deep breath. But this time, your doctor tells you need to have a dexa scan test, which is a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan.

Dexa Scan Tests

• Dexa scans are tests that diagnose lost of bone density. By doing this, they can diagnose patients with osteoporosis.

Age

• Women who are postmenopausal or are at least 65 should have these tests if there is a family history of osteoporosis or another bone-related conditions. Men should also have these tests if they are at least 65.

Accuracy

• Regular X-rays are not as accurate as dexa scan tests. Dexa scan tests can diagnose you even if you have very little bone loss.

Less Radiation

• CAT scans exposed your body to more radiation than dexa scan tests. So in this respect, dexa scan tests are safer.

Cost

• One reason to have a dexa scan test instead of a CAT scan test is cost. Dexa scan tests cost on average $250 as of 2009, whereas a CAT scan test can cost as much as $4,800.