DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. It uses two very low-dose X-ray beams to measure bone density and, when performed as a body-composition scan, can provide information about body fat, lean mass and fat distribution. DEXA is a quick, painless and non-invasive examination.

What can a DEXA scan tell you about your body?

A DEXA scan can provide information about bone density and, depending on the type of scan performed, body composition such as body fat and lean mass. Body-composition DEXA can also provide information about fat distribution, including visceral fat.

Can a DEXA scan measure visceral fat?

Yes. A body-composition DEXA scan can provide information about fat distribution, including visceral fat. Visceral fat is located deep within the abdomen around internal organs and is different from the subcutaneous fat found directly beneath the skin.

Is a DEXA scan used to test for osteoporosis?

Yes. DEXA is the standard imaging method used to measure bone mineral density and is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess fracture risk and monitor changes in bone density over time.

DEXA scans use a very low dose of X-ray radiation and are considered safe for most people when medically appropriate. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before having a DEXA scan.

How much radiation does a DEXA scan use?

DEXA uses a very low dose of X-ray radiation. The exact dose varies by equipment and examination, but it is substantially lower than many conventional X-ray examinations.

Can you have a DEXA scan during pregnancy?

DEXA scans are generally not recommended during pregnancy because they use X-ray radiation. Tell your healthcare provider and the imaging technologist if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant before the examination.

How should I prepare for a DEXA scan?

DEXA scans usually require little preparation. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid clothing with metal zippers, buttons or buckles. You may need to remove jewelry and other metal objects before the scan. If you take calcium supplements, you are generally advised not to take them for at least 24 hours before the examination.

Can I eat and drink before a DEXA scan?

In most cases, you can eat and drink normally before a DEXA scan. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or imaging center.

How long does a DEXA scan take?

The examination itself typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, although the total appointment time may be around 30 minutes depending on the facility and type of scan.

Does a DEXA scan hurt?

No. A DEXA scan is generally painless and non-invasive. You lie on a scanning table while the scanner passes over the area being examined. There are no needles or injections involved.

Is a DEXA scan claustrophobic?

A DEXA scan is generally not a claustrophobic examination. You lie on an open, flat scanning table while the scanning arm passes over your body. You are not enclosed inside a tunnel.

Is there any recovery time after a DEXA scan?

No. DEXA scans are non-invasive and do not normally require recovery time. You can generally return to your usual activities immediately after the examination.

When will I get my DEXA scan results?

The time required to receive DEXA results varies between facilities. Some centers may provide results within hours, while others may take a few days.

How often should you have a DEXA scan?

There is no single schedule that applies to everyone. How often a DEXA scan should be performed depends on why the test is being done, your bone health, risk factors and whether your healthcare provider needs to monitor changes over time. Follow the interval recommended by your healthcare provider.

What Are DEXA Scans?

Q: Are DEXA scans for both men and women?

Yes. DEXA scans can be used for both men and women. A healthcare provider may recommend a bone density scan based on age, fracture history, family history, medical conditions, medications or other risk factors for bone loss.

Whether you’re a senior citizen concerned about bone density, an athlete chasing top performance, or someone simply concerned with your weight and good health, you may have heard about DEXA scans.

A Technician Helps A Patient Who Is Receiving A Dexa Scan.

A DEXA scan is a non-invasive, advanced imaging test that can tell you and your doctors a great deal about your bone density, your weight and where you hold it, and much more. It’s far more accurate than a scale or BMI for understanding weight and body composition and is the gold-standard for bone density.

If you think you might benefit from a DEXA scan, contact Preventative Diagnostic Center today. We offer DEXA scans, as well as a number of other scans and health screenings, in a private setting at reasonable and transparent pricing in Las Vegas.

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What Is a DEXA Scan?

DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. It uses two very low-dose X-rays to measure different aspects of the body, especially body composition and bone density. It is completely non-invasive, quick, painless, and can be done every six months if desired. For body comp it can be performed every 3-6 months.

It can tell you and your doctors about your body fat and body constitution, including the dangerous visceral fat. Visceral fat is fat between your organs that is difficult to see with the naked eye or calculate with a BMI test. Visceral fat is particularly bad for your health.

A DEXA scan is also the gold-standard test for bone density. In conditions such as osteoporosis, bones weaken due to reduced mineral content. A DEXA scan can help understand this density, so patients who may be at risk of osteoporosis can track risk factors or the progression of the disease.

Are DEXA Scans for Both Men and Women?

The short answer is, yes, absolutely. DEXA scans are not just for women and the elderly. Almost everyone can benefit from a scan to understand their bone density and body composition.

Whether you’re on a weight-loss journey, are looking for better performance as an athlete, or just concerned about your health, a DEXA scan can tell you a great deal about your body, where you’re making progress, and where you might need to improve.

Is a DEXA Scan Safe?

Yes, DEXA scans are among the safest scans available. While they use X-ray radiation to scan your body, the amount is exceptionally low. Compared to a normal X-ray of the kind you might receive when breaking a bone, DEXA scans use 10 to 100 times less radiation.

Simply by existing in the world, we receive a small dose of radiation each day. The amount you receive from a DEXA scan is about the amount you will receive in a half a day, simply existing. They are considered very safe.

Unlike some other scans, there is no limit to the recommended amount of DEXA scans a person should receive, so long as they are medically useful. The only group that should not receive a DEXA scan are pregnant women, as no amount of radiation is recommended during pregnancy.

How To Prepare for a DEXA Scan

There is very little preparation necessary for a DEXA scan. All you will need to do is show up to our office in comfortable clothing. You will be asked to remove metal jewelry and other metal objects, such as buttons and zippers, but that’s it.

There’s also no need to prepare beforehand in any special way, and there is absolutely no recovery time. The only exception is that if you take calcium supplements, you should stop taking them 24 hours before the procedure.

The entire appointment should take about 30 minutes, from start to finish, and the examination itself takes about 15 minutes. During the scan, you’ll lie flat on a comfortable table, and a scanning wand will pass over your body. You will not be enclosed, so there are no claustrophobia concerns.

You should then get your results within a few days.

DEXA Screenings in Las Vegas With Preventative Diagnostic Center

If you’re in Las Vegas and curious about a DEXA scan, contact Preventative Diagnostic Center. We can provide expert imaging and advice on bone density and body composition, so you can stay healthy in old age, as well as ensure your body is working at top performance until then.

Preventative Diagnostic Center is the leading, non-invasive diagnostic facility dedicated exclusively to preventative health care. We want to provide the tools so you may improve your health and prolong your life. Our screens are private and discreet, our prices are fair and transparent, and our customers love our patient-centered approach to care.

Call today and schedule a screening that could save your life.

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Sources:

Radiation protection of patients during DXA. (2026).

Sangondimath, G., et al. (2023). DEXA and Imaging in Osteoporosis.

Visceral Fat. (2025).