Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. Often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms, osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures a year. Bone Densitometry (DEXA) is a safe, painless and highly accurate way to detect and monitor low bone density before a fracture occurs.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Exams at TRA

TRA offers the most accurate and advanced bone densitometry testing technique available. This test measures the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and hip, sites where osteoporotic fracture most frequently occurs.

DEXA is the standard diagnostic tool recommended for patients at risk of developing osteoporosis and those under treatment for the disease. Our registered technologists administer DEXA scans in a comfortable and caring environment, and our board-certified radiology physicians will analyze the images and report back to your referring physician.
Find TRA locations for Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

What is Bone Densitometry (DEXA) and How Does It Work?
Bone densitometry (DEXA) is also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. It is an enhanced form of x-ray technology used to measure bone loss and diagnose osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become more porous, more fragile and more likely to break.

The DEXA machine sends an invisible beam of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through the bones: one is absorbed mainly by soft tissue and the other by bone. A patient’s bone mineral density is the total amount absorbed minus the soft tissue amount. Special computer capabilities calculate and display the bone density measurements on a monitor.

DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips, and is most often suggested for post-menopausal women.

What to Expect During a Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Exam
The DEXA exam is painless and quick. The scan takes about 15 minutes. You will be asked to lie very still on a padded scanning bed. Your legs may be positioned on a padded cube to help position your hips and spine for the image. You may be asked to partially undress and change into a gown to assure there is no metal or other interference in the area to be examined.

How to Prepare for a Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Exam
You may eat and drink normally before your Bone Densitometry (DEXA) exam and you may resume your normal activities immediately after your exam. Please wear a loose-fitting outfit with no metal buttons or zippers, and remove any piercings in the torso area before the exam. When you schedule your appointment, please advise our staff if you have had a recent upper GI or barium enema examination.

Prevention
By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 percent of her skeletal mass. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later. A good prevention program includes a balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, a healthy, nonsmoking lifestyle with limited alcohol intake, bone density testing and medication when appropriate.

Common Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Being female
- Thin and/or small frame
- Advanced age
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Post menopause, including early or surgically-induced menopause
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- Eating disorders
- A diet low in calcium
- Use of certain medications, such as steroids
- Low testosterone in men
- Inactive lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol

- Both men and women get symptomatic varicose veins. For more information about our 1-hour, minimally invasive cure for varicose veins, select VenaCure in our Exams & Procedures section, or call (253) 284-0841.
- You can bring a CD to an MRI appointment. But leave your iPod at home. It can't go into the scanning room.
- PET/CT scans are a highly useful tool for patients with cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether PET/CT is appropriate for you.
- Digital screening mammograms are available at TRA-on Lilly and TRA-Lakewood. If you are a woman 40 or older, have your digital screening mammogram at TRA Medical Imaging.
- TRA has more than 50 board certified radiology physicians (radiologists) who have additional training in specialty fields such as neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, breast imaging, pediatric imaging and more.
- TRA-on Cedar, TRA-on Lilly and TRA-Lakewood offer digital x-ray without an appointment. Please remember to bring your referral form, though.
- Interventional radiologists specialize in performing minimally invasive procedures, often replacing traditional open surgery. These physicians have dedicated their careers to performing these procedures with clinical expertise.
- The experts performing life saving emergency stroke and aneurysm care at St. Joseph Medical Center and Tacoma General Hospital are TRA neurointerventional surgeons.
- If you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clip or certain other implanted devices, you cannot have an MRI. If you are scheduled for one, call TRA Scheduling before your appointment.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Exams at TRA