Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

<p>Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, or DEXA) is a means of measuring <a href="/facts/Bone_mineral_density/poUvLR69">bone mineral density</a> (BMD) with <a href="/facts/Spectral_imaging_(radiography)/LydgtPQm">spectral imaging</a>. Two <a href="/facts/X-ray/wseP79cN">X-ray</a> beams, with different <a href="/facts/Energy_level/66x51Khc">energy levels</a>, are aimed at the patient's <a href="/facts/Bone/pCU37jBe">bones</a>. When <a href="/facts/Soft_tissue/cHBwqLpP">soft tissue</a> absorption is subtracted, the <a href="/facts/Bone_density/poUvLR69">bone mineral density</a> (BMD) can be determined from the absorption of each beam by bone. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is the most widely used and most thoroughly studied bone density measurement technology.
</p><p>The DXA scan is typically used to diagnose and follow <a href="/facts/Osteoporosis/xa1W00Tj">osteoporosis</a>, as contrasted to the nuclear <a href="/facts/Bone_scan/321t1xAy">bone scan</a>, which is sensitive to certain metabolic diseases of bones in which bones are trying to heal from infections, fractures, or tumors. It is also sometimes used to assess <a href="/facts/Body_composition/nUrhSQF1">body composition</a>.
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Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry open-in-new

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry