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Bone health after fifty
What a bone density result means, and the questions worth asking your doctor.
Dr. Elias Marlow
Consultant Radiologist
The short answer
A DEXA scan uses two very low-dose X-ray beams to measure bone mineral density, most often at the hip and lower spine.
The results help your clinician assess bone health and the risk of fracture.
The best scan is the one that answers your clinician’s question with the least burden on you.
What it means for your visit
Preparation depends on the examination. For Bone Density, the most important things are:
Pause calcium supplements as advised before the scan
Wear clothing without metal fastenings
Tell us about recent barium or contrast exams
Questions worth asking
What is this examination looking for?
Is there anything I should do — or avoid — beforehand?
How will I receive the results, and who will explain them?
Sample article for template purposes. Replace with content written or reviewed by your clinical team.
Illustrative article for template purposes. Medical content should be written or approved by qualified clinicians before publishing.
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