Learn About Preparing for Your DEXA Scan

What a DEXA Scan Actually Measures

A DEXA scan—short for "dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry"—is a medical imaging test that measures bone mineral density. Think of it as a specialized photograph that shows how much mineral (mainly calcium) is packed into your bones. The denser your bones, the stronger they typically are and the less likely they are to break from a fall or minor injury.

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The scan uses two different energy levels of x-rays to pass through your body. One energy level is absorbed more by bone, while the other passes through soft tissue. By comparing how much radiation your bones absorb versus soft tissue, the machine calculates your bone density. The entire process takes about 10 to 30 minutes depending on which bones are being scanned.

DEXA scans typically focus on three areas: your lower spine, your hip, and sometimes your forearm. These locations matter because they're common places where fractures happen, especially as people age. The scan produces a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult. A T-score of -1 or higher is considered normal bone density. A score between -1 and -2.5 suggests low bone density (called osteopenia). A score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile.

Doctors order DEXA scans for many reasons. The most common is to screen for osteoporosis, particularly in women over 65 or men over 70. Others get scanned to monitor bone loss over time, to check the effects of medications that may weaken bones, or to evaluate bone health after a fracture. Some people with risk factors—like family history of osteoporosis, certain medical conditions, or long-term use of corticosteroids—may be scanned earlier.

Practical takeaway: Understanding that a DEXA scan measures bone density and produces a T-score helps you know what to expect and why your doctor ordered one. Ask your provider which bones will be scanned and what they're specifically looking for.

Medication and Supplement Considerations Before Your Scan

One of the most important aspects of DEXA scan preparation involves what you take by mouth in the days and hours before the test. While you don't need to fast before a DEXA scan like you might before blood work, certain substances can interfere with accurate results.

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Calcium supplements are the primary concern. If you take a calcium supplement, you should stop taking it for at least 24 hours before your scan. Calcium supplements contain mineral that can show up on the scan and make your bones appear denser than they actually are. This false reading could lead to incorrect conclusions about your bone health. However, you don't need to stop calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, or yogurt—only supplemental calcium pills or powders matter for this timing.

Other supplements worth mentioning to your healthcare provider include iron supplements, which can sometimes interfere with imaging, and any herbal supplements that might contain minerals. Vitamin D supplements (which often come with calcium) should also be paused for 24 hours beforehand. If you're unsure whether a particular supplement might affect the scan, write down all supplements you take and bring the list to your appointment.

Regular medications generally don't need to be stopped. Blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, thyroid medications, and most other prescriptions can continue as normal. However, if you take any medications containing contrast agents (used in some imaging studies), mention this to the technician when you arrive. Blood thinners don't affect DEXA scans at all.

Some people worry about pain medications before a scan. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed—the scan doesn't require pain management, but if you have discomfort that makes lying still difficult, these medications are fine to use.

Practical takeaway: Create a list of everything you ingest regularly—prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins—and bring it to your appointment. Stop calcium supplements 24 hours before, but continue all other medications unless specifically told otherwise by your provider.

Clothing and Metal: What to Wear and What to Avoid

What you wear to your DEXA scan appointment matters more than many people realize. The scan uses x-rays, and metal creates artifacts on x-ray images—dark or bright spots that can obscure the actual bone being measured. This means choosing the right clothing helps ensure your scan produces clear, usable results.

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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without metal fasteners. This means avoiding items like underwear with metal hooks or clasps, bras with metal underwires, pants with metal zippers, or shirts with metal buttons. Cotton clothing without any metal is ideal. Many imaging centers provide gowns for patients, so you may undress for the scan anyway, but it's easier if you wear metal-free clothing to begin with.

Remove all jewelry before entering the scanning room. This includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and earrings. Even small metal earrings can create artifacts if your ear is in the scanning area. Some centers allow you to leave jewelry in a secure locker, but it's simpler to leave it at home on scan day.

Avoid clothing with decorative elements that might contain metal. Sequins, beads attached with metal, or embroidered designs sometimes include metallic threads. If you're unsure, choose something plain and simple.

You'll need to remove your shoes during the scan. Some facilities provide shoe covers or allow you to wear socks. If you have foot jewelry, toe rings, or ankle bracelets, these should come off before you enter the scanning area. Prosthetic devices with metal components should be discussed with the technician beforehand—they may need to be removed depending on what's being scanned.

Deodorant and antiperspirant can sometimes contain metallic compounds, though modern formulations are usually fine. If you want to be extra cautious, use a non-metallic deodorant or none at all on scan day. Body lotions and powders without metal additives are generally safe and won't interfere with results.

Practical takeaway: Wear plain cotton clothing without zippers, buttons, or hooks. Remove all jewelry and metal accessories before your appointment. This simple preparation prevents retakes and ensures the clearest possible images.

Physical Positioning and Movement During the Scan

The DEXA scan requires you to lie still on a padded table while the scanning arm moves over your body. Understanding what to expect during this process helps you prepare mentally and physically for the appointment.

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You'll lie on your back on a flat, cushioned table for most of the scan. The technician will position your body in a specific way—usually with your legs extended or supported by a positioning pillow that keeps your knees bent at a particular angle. This positioning is crucial because it standardizes the angle at which your bones are measured. If your body isn't in the right position, the scan results won't be comparable to future scans or to standard measurement guidelines.

Staying still is the most important requirement during the actual scan. Even small movements can blur the images or create false readings. The scan arm moves slowly across your body—you'll hear it moving and may see it pass over you, but you won't feel anything during the actual imaging. The process is completely painless.

The scan of your spine typically takes 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, you need to remain completely still and breathe normally. Many people find it helpful to focus on a spot on the ceiling or to take slow, deep breaths to stay relaxed. If you have claustrophobia, the DEXA scan is generally easier than an MRI or CT scan because you're not enclosed in a machine—you're simply lying under a moving arm in an open room.

If your hip is being scanned (which is common), the technician may position your leg in a specific way, sometimes rotating it slightly inward. This might feel a bit awkward, but it's necessary for accurate measurement. Again, once positioned, you simply lie still while the scan arm passes over.

Some people worry about their ability to stay still due to chronic pain, anxiety, or mobility issues. Discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider before the appointment. You might be able to take a pain reliever beforehand, or the technician may be