DEXA Scan
DEXA Scan are available at these locations:
Orchard Park
3050 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
phone: 716.558.5400
fax: 716.558.5424
DEXA Scan
A DXA scan is sometimes referred to as a DEXA scan and more often commonly known as a bone scan or a bone density test.
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA Scan) uses X-Ray to measure bone density.
DEXA Scans can also be referred to as DXA exams or bone density tests. This type of medical imaging uses very low X-Ray and other special imaging to measure the bone mineral density. This measurement translates to how dense, or how strong, bones are within your body. The scan produces images of the spine, hip or even the whole body. The spine and hip are measured because that is where most osteoporotic fractures occur.
Most often, healthcare providers use this scan to diagnose and assess risk for Osteoporosis. Like other organs in the body, bones are constantly changing. Throughout childhood and young adulthood, bones grow in strength and in size. Around the age of 30, bones reach their peak strength and then naturally become weaker with age.
Experience the Southtowns Difference for your Bone Density Scan
Southtowns Radiology is committed to offering you the best experience possible. Both of our offices offer Hologic DXA Systems for bone density scanning. This state-of-the-art equipment was purchased in 2021.
Our technologists have earned and maintain their certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
How can I prepare for my DEXA Scan?
All medical imaging studies, including DEXA Scans, require a prescription and a pre-scheduled appointment.
Prescriptions can be faxed directly from the healthcare provider’s office to Southtowns Radiology at 716.649.9005, or you can bring your written order from your healthcare provider.
If you are visiting us for other imaging, such as a Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening, or your annual mammogram, it is usually easy for us to schedule your bone scan during the same visit, so you don’t have to come back for a separate appointment. When making your appointment, please let the scheduler know you’d like to coordinate both.
You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
Belt buckles, metal or thick plastic buttons and metal jewelry will need to be removed from the region being examined. The technologist will position your arms and legs for the test, which is painless and typically takes 10 minutes. You just need to lie still and breathe normally.
How will I receive the results from my Bone Density Scan?
Following your DEXA scan at Southtowns Radiology, your images will be interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists. They will provide a detailed report, which may include recommendations for follow up, to your healthcare provider. Reports are typically provided within 24 hours or on the next business day. You should expect to hear your scan results from your healthcare provider directly.
If you are enrolled in HEALTHeLINK, your images and our radiologist’s report will be available for your healthcare provider to access and to review electronically in your record. Southtowns Radiology will also send the report to any other medical professionals, including specialists or primary care providers, that you indicated should receive a copy.
If you still have questions—we’re here to help. Give us a call at 716.649.9000.
