Dexa Scan Price, Discount & Purpose With Pictures [2024]
Our body constantly absorbs and produces/ replace bone tissues. However, due to osteoporosis, this replacement process could not keep pace. Thus Bone mineral density may reduce. Therefore, a bone mineral density check is essential to assess the risk of osteoporosis. A Dexa Scan is a unique type of X-ray that measures Bone Mineral Density ( BMD). Dexa Scan cost range from Rs 1500 to Rs 6000 depending on lab, location and body part.
Discount Available in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore & Chennai
Full form of DEXA is Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. It is also known as:
- DXA
- BMD Scan
- Bone Densitometry Scan
What is the Need of Dexa Scan
A DEXA scan measures the bone mineral density which helps the doctor to ascertain the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, it is to be done
- Assess the strength of the bones
- To measure the level of osteoporosis- a condition of the fragile bone which increases chances of fracture or any risk of injury.
- Evaluate the response of medication used for the treatment of osteoporosis.
- To measure total body fat and includes the exact breakdown of bone mass, fat tissue and muscle mass in your body
When is a Dexa scan recommended?
Osteoporosis usually does not have any symptoms. A bone fracture may occur suddenly. Thus a scan helps people at higher risk to take preventive measures. Thus, people with following conditions may be recommended a DEXA scan:
- Post-Menopausal women (usually after the age of 45), who is tall ( Over 5 Feet 6 Inch) or Thin ( less than 45 KG)
- Have a prior history of hip fracture during delivery or because of some other reasons.
- Use medications that cause a loss in bone density or a person is on steroid such as prednisone, or anti-seizure medications or having high dose thyroid replacement drug.
- Have Type -1 i.e. insulin dependent Diabetes, Hepatic disease, renal disease or any other family history of osteoporosis.
- Hyperthyroidism ( Thyroid hormone level raised)
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Have any evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Chronic Dehydration
- Chronic alcohol
- Smoking
- Excessive Exercise
- Less Dietary intake
- Hydrochloride insufficiency
- Excess intake of caffeine like Tea, Coffee, chocolate, soda etc.
- Low vitamin D
- Some chronic inflammatory disease
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A Guide on DEXA Scan Cost
DEXA Scan needs special machines which use a low dosage of radiation along with the computer to calculate bone mineral density. Thus DEXA scan is not commonly available. However, most of the special radiology centers or big diagnostic centers have it. Though its availability in Tier 2 and Tier 3 town is limited.
The Dexa Scan cost depends on a number of parameters such as:
Location
Cost tends to be higher in metro cities compared to other cities. Moreover, within the metro, labs located in the posh area charge more.
Lab
DEXA scan cost varies from one lab to another. For example, in Delhi, it cost range from Rs 1500 to Rs 6000/- depending on the lab and its reputation.
Number of Sites
A Dexa scan is common for a joint which is more prone to fracture. Thus spine & hips are more common. A Whole-body Dexa scan may also be recommended to measure the total body fat. Thus DEXA scan cost depends on a number of the sites. A two sites DEXA scan almost cost double the single site Dexa scan.
City Wise DEXA Scan Cost in Delhi-NCR
Usually, very few labs & hospital provide DEXA Scan facility in a city. In spite of being Nation capital region, the number of labs providing DEXA scan is less than 50. There cost is also vary from one another. However, to make it easier, convenient and affordable, BookmeriLab partner more than 20 centers in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida & Ghaziabad which provide Dexa Scan. Moreover, we also provide up to 50% Saving on Dexa scan cost in these labs.
It must to noted that our network labs are reputed & certified thus assuring patient about quality at affordable cost. The following table provides city wise DEXA scan cost
Dexa Scan Cost in Delhi
There are around 40 centers in Delhi which offer DEXA Scan service. Cost at these centers is not same. The table below shows the tentative DEXA scan cost range in Delhi along with the discount from BookmeriLab.
Table Listing DEXA Scan Cost Range in Delhi
Type of DEXA Scan | Normal Market Price (Rs) | Lowest Offer Price (Rs) |
---|---|---|
DEXA Scan Cost of Spine or Hip or Any One Site in Delhi | Rs 1500-1900/- | INR 1200 Avail Offer Now! |
DEXA Scan Cost of Spine and Hip or Any Two Site in Delhi | Rs 2500-3600/- | Rs 2000/- Avail Offer Now! |
DEXA Scan cost of any three sites in Delhi | Rs 3500-4500/- | Rs 2300/- Avail Offer Now! |
Whole Body DEXA Scan Cost in Delhi | Rs 3500-6000/- | Rs 2800/- Avail Offer Now! |
Dexa Scan Cost in Gurgaon
There are around 10 centers in Gurgaon which offer DEXA Scan service. The table below shows the tentative DEXA scan cost range in Gurgaon along with the discount from BookmeriLab.
Table Listing DEXA Scan Cost Range in Gurgaon
Type of DEXA Scan | Normal Market Price (Rs) | Lowest Offer Price (Rs) |
---|---|---|
DEXA Scan Cost of Spine or Hip or Any One Site in Gurgaon | Rs 2000-1900/- | Rs 1600/- Avail Offer Now! |
DEXA Scan Cost of Spine and Hip or Any Two Site in Gurgaon | Rs 2500-3600/- | Rs 2000/- Avail Offer Now! |
DEXA Scan cost of any three sites in Gurgaon | Rs 3000-4500/- | Rs 2300/- Avail Offer Now! |
Whole Body DEXA Scan Cost in Gurgaon | Rs 3500-6000/- | Rs 2700/- Avail Offer Now! |
Dexa Scan Cost in Ghaziabad
There are around 10 centers in Ghaziabad which offer DEXA Scan service. Many of centers are located at Delhi border. The table below shows the tentative DEXA scan cost range in Ghaziabad along with the discount from BookmeriLab.
Table Listing DEXA Scan Cost Range in Ghaziabad
Type of DEXA Scan | Normal Market Price (Rs) | Lowest Offer Price (Rs) |
---|---|---|
DEXA Scan Cost of Spine or Hip or Any One Site in Ghaziabad | Rs 1500-1900/- | Rs 1300/- Avail Offer Now! |
DEXA Scan Cost of Spine and Hip or Any Two Site in Ghaziabad | Rs 2500-3600/- | Rs 2000/- Avail Offer Now! |
DEXA Scan cost of any three sites in Ghaziabad | Rs 3500-4500/- | Rs 2300/- Avail Offer Now! |
Whole Body DEXA Scan Cost in Ghaziabad | Rs 3500-4500/- | Rs 3000/- Avail Offer Now! |
Dexa Scan Preparation and Precautions
It is a simple, harmless & painless procedure and exposes the patient to minimal and safe radiation. It normally takes 10-15 min. to complete. Before the DEXA begins, a technician may check for:
- No radionuclide studies prior to 2 weeks
- No Barium contrast studies prior to 2 weeks.
- Avoid supplements for at least 24 Hrs. before your examination
- No metal in clothing like Zipper, Safety pins etc. as they may mislead or deviate the results.
- Eat or Drink normally.
- You may be asked to remove some of your clothes and wear a loose gown during the examination
- You will be asked to remove Ornaments, Keys, Removable dental appliances, eyeglasses or any other metal objects as that might interfere with X-ray images.
- Pregnant women or expected pregnancy must instruct before going to examination. In case DEXA is unavoidable then Technician will take measures to minimize the effect of radiation on a fetus.
DEXA scan procedure
It very much feels like a routine X-Ray scan. Though it takes more time and uses a low dosage of radiation. Thus patients need not to worry and can relax before the scan.
- Positioning: To start DEXA, you will be asked to lie down on the Padded table. An X-Ray generator is located below the patient and imaging device ( Detector) is positioned above.
- To assess the spine, the patient’s legs are positioned in a way to make lower spine and hip flatten.
- To assess the Hip, patient’s foot is placed in a brace that rotates the hip inwardly.
In both cases, a detector moves slowly to the examined area and generate images on a computer monitor. During the exposure of X – rays you may be asked to stay still to hold your breath for a few seconds as it reduces the possibility of blurred images. During the exposure of X-ray, the technician will walk behind the wall or into the next room.
Types of Dexa (BMD) Machines:
There are two types of DEXA machines:
- Central DEXA Device– It measures bone density in Hip and spine, which are considered to be the best site to measure overall BMD, and for predicting fracture. These are usually located in hospitals and Laboratory. This device has a large, flat table and an arm suspended Overhead.
- Peripheral DEXA Device– These scanners are small portable devices which measure BMD in the Heel or Forearm. This is used to estimate overall fracture risk, but they are less accurate compared to central DEXA.
Nowadays an additional procedure called Lateral vertebral assessment ( LVA) is being done at many centers. LVA is a low dose X-ray examination of the spine to screen for vertebral fractures that are performed on the DEXA Machine only.
LVA is usually recommended for older patients especially if :
- There is a loss of height more than an inch
- Have a history of an unexplained backache.
- If a DEXA gives a borderline report.
Dexa usually takes place 15 – 25 min. to complete.
How I Feel During and after scan:
Dexa is simple, non –invasive and painless procedure without any risk involved. You feel very much comfortable during or after the scan. You may go home immediately after the scan
Interpretation of DEXA Scan Results
A Dexa scans reports “T- Scores” and “Z- Scores” of an individual. The T Score is a comparison of a person’s bone density with that of a healthy 30- yr old of the same sex. Lower the score (more negative), lower the bone density. WHO, through two different expert studies, have provided the cut-off for the score from the Dexa Scan.
Above picture shows that bone mass above -1 is considered as normal. A score between -1 and – 2.5 is classified as Osteopenia(low bone density) and a score below -2.5 is classified as Osteoporosis. T – Score basically reflect how your body is prone to fracture.
The Z- Score is a comparison of a person’s bone density with that of an average person of the same age and sex. Z-Scores are not used to diagnose osteoporosis. Low Z- Score is only the clue of osteoporosis and may require further evaluation.
What do abnormal results mean & what to do next?
You have pluses (+) and minuses (-) in your test result and you have been diagnosed with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. But it sounds a little bit confusing. So, Once you know there is some abnormal result you need to understand your test result and at present where exactly your bone health is?
To understand more clearly, Let’s go into the detail :
For more clarity, you need a hard copy to interpret your results. It really helpful and motivating to see the images since the light spots reflects lack of bone density.
It is recommended to make a file of your copies to compare the results from year to year and evaluate the effectiveness of the measures or treatment that you are undergone.
As mentioned above, Z- Score is less significant than T- Score and if your T Score lies somewhere between -1 to -4 your bone needs proper attention and medication as per your physician.
You can improve your bone density by knowing the underlying cause for osteopenia or Osteoporosis.
Causes of Osteopenia or Osteoporosis By getting clear about reasons for osteopenia or osteoporosis, you can make a plan that fits your circumstances.
Dexa Scan recommendation
Depending on the medical condition of the patient, a physician may recommend Dexa for the whole body, one site or two sites. A DEXA scan of Spine and Hips is more common. In Elderly, these locations are most prone to fracture due to osteoporosis.
Usually, DEXA is recommended once in two years to see a significant change in bone density whether it is increasing or decreasing.
Patients that are undergoing any osteoporosis treatment or on a high dose of steroid medication may require a follow- up at every six months.
Benefits vs Risk of a Dexa Scan
Benefits:
- Safe
- Pain-free
- Exact Evaluator of bone density
- No anesthesia required
- Minimal Exposure to radiation ( Less than one- Tenth the dose of standard chest X-Ray)
- No residuals of radiation after DEXA.
Risks:
- Minimal Chances of cancer by excessive exposure to radiation. However, benefits of an accurate diagnosis overweigh the risk involved.
- Women should always inform their physician or technician about their possibility of pregnancy as radiation may produce the harmful effect on the developing fetus.
What are the limitations of Dexa scan:
The relationship between declining bone density and a fracture risk is approximately same as that of blood pressure and risk of stroke.
- A Dexa test can not forecast who will experience a fracture but only provides indications of relative risk.
- Despite its effectiveness as a method of measuring bone density, DEXA is of limited use of in patients with a spinal deformity or those people with a spinal deformity or those who had previous spinal surgery or spinal injury or any spinal deformity.The presence of vertebral compression, fracture or Osteoarthritis may interfere with the accuracy of the test. In such circumstances, a CT Scan is preferable.
- Dexa done on a peripheral body part such as heel or wrist may help to predict the risk of fracture in spine or Hip. But this is not helpful to check the effectiveness of treatment.
FAQs Regarding DEXA Scan
Question: Can Dexa scan detect cancer?
Answer: DEXA Scan helps only to evaluate bone health and how much your bone is prone to fracture. DEXA Scan may help to detect cancer if cancer has metastasized, or spread to the bones.
Question: What they do in Dexa?
Answer: During DEXA Scan, a low dose x-ray scan takes images of our body. A computer then evaluates these images and calculate the bone mineral density. These values help in detecting the risk of osteoporosis.
Question: What to wear for a DEXA scan?
You should prefer Loose & comfortable clothing. It is better to avoid any metallic object or jewelry as these substances may interfere with radiation.
Question: Who should get a DEXA scan?
Dexa is recommended in case of postmenopausal women or any other history of hip or spinal fracture, chronic smoker or a chronic alcoholic.
Question: How long does it take?
It usually takes 10-15 minutes.