Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (pronounced: doo-al en-er-gee eks-ray ab-sorp-shee-om-e-tree), often abbreviated as DEXA or DXA, is a means of measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
Etymology
The term is derived from the technique itself: "dual-energy" refers to the use of two distinct X-ray energies, "X-ray" is the form of radiation used, and "absorptiometry" refers to the measurement of absorption.
Overview
DEXA scans are used primarily to evaluate osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men and may occur in anyone in the presence of certain hormonal disorders, drugs, or diseases. DEXA is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density and is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Procedure
In a DEXA scan, the patient lies on a table while a machine sends a low-dose X-ray beam through the body. The amount of X-rays that pass through the bone is measured, with a higher amount indicating a higher density and therefore a stronger bone.
Related Terms
- Osteoporosis: A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue.
- Bone mineral density (BMD): The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue.
- X-ray: A form of electromagnetic radiation.
- Absorptiometry: A technique for measuring the absorption of radiation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- Wikipedia's article - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
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