DEXA bone density scan
A quick, low-dose X-ray that measures bone strength - showing your risk of fracture before one happens.
TypeScan · Low-dose X-ray
HowLie on a table for 10–20 minutes while a scanner passes over your hip and spine.
How oftenWomen 65+, men 70+, earlier with risk. Repeat every 2 years or as advised.
BeforeNo calcium supplements for 24 hours; wear clothes without metal.
WhoOlder adults and anyone with risk factors for bone loss.
Bone loss is silent — until a fracture
Bones slowly lose density with age, especially after menopause. There are no symptoms until a bone breaks - often a hip, wrist or spine. DEXA finds bone loss early, when it can be slowed or reversed.
Normal
“Are my bones strong?”
Bone density in the healthy range.
Healthy
Osteopenia
“My bones are thinning.”
Bones are thinner than ideal. A signal to act.
Early warning
Osteoporosis
“Is my fracture risk high?”
Bones are significantly thinner. Your provider may discuss treatment.
Higher risk
Protecting your bones
01
Lift and load
Resistance and impact exercise build bone.
02
Enough protein, calcium and vitamin D
From food first; supplement if needed.
03
Reduce falls
Balance training, good lighting, check medicines.
04
Ask about treatment
Very effective medicines exist if risk is high.
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re a woman 65+ or a man 70+.
- You’re postmenopausal with risk factors - low weight, smoking, family history of hip fracture.
- You’ve broken a bone from a minor fall.
- You’ve taken steroids long-term or have a condition affecting bone.
A better option if…
- You mainly want body fat and muscle numbers - that’s a DEXA body composition scan, a different protocol.
How it’s measured
Central DEXA (hip & spine)
The standard test for diagnosis.
FRAX score
Combines DEXA with risk factors to estimate 10-year fracture risk.
Heel ultrasound
A quick screen only - not a substitute.
The full picture
What is it?
A scan that measures bone mineral density.
What type of test is it?
A low-dose X-ray imaging test.
What does it measure?
Bone density at the hip and spine, reported as T- and Z-scores.
Why might someone consider it?
To find bone loss before fractures happen.
Who is it most relevant for?
Older adults and people with bone-loss risk factors.
How is it performed?
You lie still while the scanner arm passes over you.
How often might it be considered?
Every 2 years or as advised.
What can the result help you understand?
Your bone strength and fracture risk.
What are its limitations?
Different machines vary; arthritis in the spine can falsely raise results.
What should it be viewed with?
Vitamin D, calcium, hormones, medications, falls and FRAX score.
Where to get it
Through your provider
A referral to radiology or an imaging centre.
Imaging centres
Some accept self-referral - check coverage first.
Hospital programmes
Often bundle the scan with specialist advice.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Am I due for a bone density scan?
- What do my results mean for me?
- Should I calculate my FRAX score?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your DEXA bone density scan result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your DEXA bone density scan result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
Get my 30-day reportNo provider? Find a clinical partner
Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test