What is a Lombardi scan?

A Lombardi scan, also known as a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, is a type of medical imaging test that uses low-energy and high-energy X-rays to measure the amount of bone mineral density (BMD) in the body. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect bone health, such as osteoporosis and osteopenia.

During a Lombardi scan, the patient lies on a padded table while an X-ray machine moves over their body, directing the X-ray beams at specific areas of interest, such as the hip, spine, and forearm. The scan is painless and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

The X-ray images produced by the scan are then analyzed using computer software to calculate the BMD in different regions of the body. The results are typically provided as a T-score, which compares the patient's BMD to the average BMD of a healthy young adult of the same sex and race. A T-score below -1.0 is generally considered to be indicative of osteopenia, while a T-score below -2.5 is considered to be osteoporosis.

Lombardi scans are widely available in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers, and they are considered safe for most patients. However, certain precautions may be taken for pregnant women and individuals who have metal implants or devices in the area of the body being scanned.