Bone density measurement - Dexa test
Bone Density Test - Private DEXA Scan
The bone density measurement, also known as the Dexa test, is necessary in cases where the patient is at risk of developing osteoporosis, or in the case of an already diagnosed disease, a general assessment of the bones is required.
The Dexa test is beneficial because it can reveal the onset of osteoporosis at a very early stage, well before the first symptoms appear, so that the special treatments that can be used to maintain the patient's condition can be started in time.
This method is one of the most accurate examination alternatives in modern medicine, which, in addition to taking only a few minutes, is completely painless and involves a very minimal, i.e. harmless, amount of radiation exposure.
With the aim of prevention, regular Dexa testing is at least as important as checking the condition of the bones in the case of already developed osteoporosis.
When is the Dexa test recommended?
Since the bone density measurement can in many cases detect bone-related changes in time, it is therefore recommended to carry out the test in the presence of several risk factors - even with annual repetition. These are:
- osteoporosis in the family or close relatives;
- menopause (every man and woman over 50 is recommended to have a Dexa test at least once a year);
- diabetes and diseases affecting the liver and kidneys;
- low body mass index;
- regular alcohol consumption, smoking, large amounts of coffee consumption;
- early menopause, irregular menstruation or diseases related to female hormones;
- improper, calcium-deficient diet;
- thyroid diseases;
- nutrient absorption disorders;
- long-term use of certain drugs (steroids, antiepileptics , anticoagulants, etc.);
- sedentary lifestyle or locomotor diseases;
- hormonal diseases (low testosterone level, endocrine changes, etc.);
- if the patient suffers from regular back and bone pain, as well as bone fractures;
- in addition to already diagnosed osteoporosis, monitoring the patient's condition and the success of the related therapy.
How does the Dexa test work?
A Dexa test is a very simple and quick procedure, which gives the doctor the opportunity to get an accurate picture of the state of the patient's bones. Typically, patients come with a targeted referral, so there is no need to take an anamnesis, only to perform a specific examination.
The entire procedure rarely lasts more than 10-15 minutes and is completely painless. Since it is an intervention with a very minimal radiation exposure, it is important that the patient prepares for Dexa.
For example, it is essential to remove all metal objects and jewelry from the body as well as clothing, so it is worth arriving in clothing that does not have zippers or metal buttons, as this way the patient does not even have to undress.
During the examination, the patient must not have any electronic devices, such as smartphones, watches, or anything else.
Specifically, during the Dexa examination, the patient will have nothing to do other than lie still while the special device maps the problem area in its entirety, which normally takes no longer than a quarter of an hour.
The bone density test can be performed at several points of the body, such as the wrist, femur, or even the lumbar spine, so depending on this, the patient must assume either a lying or sitting position for the duration of the procedure.
It is important that the Dexa test is never recommended if the patient is expecting a child or breastfeeding. If, in the case of a parent with a small child, the diagnosis is still negligible, the feeding of breast milk to the child must be avoided for 48 hours.
It is also a disqualifying factor in the examination if the patient's body weight exceeds 120 kilograms, or if there is a prosthesis or some kind of implant in his body, since these modify the results in a negative direction and can distort the evaluation.
Prices
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Bone density measurement - Dexa test 20 000 Ft
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