Bone Density Test: What to Expect

If you’ve been told you need a bone density test, you might be imagining something complicated, painful, or time-consuming.

Good news — it’s none of those things.

A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a simple, quick, and painless test that measures how strong your bones are. It’s the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and tracking bone health over time.

Step-by-Step: The DEXA Experience

1. You’ll lie down — fully clothed.

No hospital gown required (unless you’re wearing metal zippers or buttons). You simply lie flat on a padded table.

2. The scanner quietly moves over you.

It uses two very low-dose X-ray beams — far less radiation than a chest X-ray, and about the same as a day of natural background exposure.

3. No squeezing, no tunnel, no injections.

The scan is completely painless. There’s no enclosed space, and you can breathe normally the whole time.

4. It’s fast.

The entire process usually takes 10–15 minutes. You can walk out and resume your day immediately afterward.

Understanding the Results

Your DEXA scan gives a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult:

Normal: T-score above -1

Osteopenia (mild bone loss): -1 to -2.5

Osteoporosis: below -2.5

Your healthcare provider will explain what your score means and discuss any next steps — from nutrition and exercise to possible treatments.

Myth-Busting

Myth 1: “It’s painful or invasive.”

Truth: You won’t feel a thing — it’s like lying under a photocopier.

Myth 2: “It’s only for older women.”

Truth: While postmenopausal women are most at risk, men and younger people with risk factors (like family history, certain medications, or low body weight) may also need testing.

Myth 3: “It’s expensive and hard to find.”

Truth: Many clinics, hospitals, and imaging centers offer DEXA scans, and they’re often covered by insurance for people over 65 or at risk of bone loss.

Conclusion

A DEXA scan is one of the easiest and most valuable tests you can do for your long-term health.

In just a few minutes, you’ll learn how strong your bones are — and how to keep them that way.

Strong bones start with knowledge — and this test gives you exactly that.

Works Cited:

https://dexascan.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooc6IkGqZ_Fj-JT7WWdau3-iCGXyPvAQQ6okXv9g5mPkzfW7Fkt 

https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/dexa-scan.html 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10683-dexa-dxa-scan-bone-density-test 

https://www.talltreehealth.ca/blog/science-and-research/dexa-body-composition-scans