What is a DEXA scan?
Overview – Bone density scan (DEXA scan) A bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) your bones are.
How safe are bone density scans (DEXA)?
How safe are bone density (DEXA) scans. Bone density scans are very safe. They use a much lower level of radiation than standard X-rays, which means that the radiographer (the technical specialist carrying out the scan) can stay in the scanning room with you during the scan.
How does the DEXA machine work?
Some radiation is absorbed by the bone and soft tissue, and some travels through your body. Special detectors in the DEXA machine measure how much radiation passes through your bones, and this information is sent to a computer.