A DEXA scan, also written as DXA, measures bone mineral density. It is most often used to assess the hip and lower spine, helping a clinician estimate whether bones are weaker than expected and whether fracture risk needs attention. It is not a routine scan that every young, healthy adult needs.
At Tesla Imaging & Diagnostic Centre in Meerut, DEXA bone-density assessment is performed on GE Lunar equipment. The result is useful only when it is considered with your age, medical history, previous fractures, medicines and other clinical risk factors.
Who is commonly advised to have a DEXA scan?
International bone-density guidance commonly includes women aged 65 and older and men aged 70 and older. It also includes younger adults when a result would help guide care. These are clinical reference points, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor in India.
Your clinician may advise earlier testing if one or more of these situations applies:
- A fracture after a minor fall or relatively mild injury
- Low body weight or a strong family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
- Menopause with additional fracture-risk factors, including early or surgically induced menopause
- Long-term use of medicines associated with bone loss, including corticosteroids
- A condition that may affect bone health, such as some thyroid, parathyroid, kidney, liver, inflammatory or absorption disorders
- Assessment before starting osteoporosis treatment or monitoring after treatment has begun
This list is not complete. A doctor may recommend DEXA for another clinical reason, or decide that a scan is not yet needed even when one risk factor is present.
Does a minor fracture matter?
A fracture caused by a small fall or mild trauma can be a warning sign of reduced bone strength, especially in an older adult. Do not assume that the bone is healthy simply because the fracture has healed. Share the details with your doctor, including how the injury happened and whether you have had previous fractures.
DEXA measures bone density; it does not explain every cause of a fracture. Your clinician may also review blood tests, nutrition, balance, eyesight, medicines and fall risk before deciding on treatment.
What do the T-score and Z-score mean?
A DEXA report may include a T-score and a Z-score. A T-score compares your bone density with a young-adult reference population and is generally used for postmenopausal women and men aged 50 or older. A Z-score compares with people of a similar age and is more relevant in some younger patients.
One score should not be interpreted alone. The measured site, technical quality, age group, fracture history and clinical risk all matter. Your treating doctor should explain what the result means for you and whether any next step is needed.
How should you prepare for DEXA in Meerut?
- Bring your prescription and previous DEXA reports, if available.
- You can usually eat normally; fasting is generally not required.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal near the hip or spine.
- Calcium supplements are commonly avoided for 24 hours before the examination—confirm this when booking.
- Tell the team if you recently had a barium study, CT contrast examination or nuclear medicine scan.
- Tell the team before the scan if you are or may be pregnant.
For a current appointment, exact preparation and pricing, call or WhatsApp Tesla Imaging before visiting. The team can confirm the practical details for the measurement sites requested by your doctor.
When should DEXA be repeated?
Repeat timing should be individualised. It depends on the first result, whether treatment has started, medicines that can alter bone density, health conditions and how quickly a clinically meaningful change might occur. Repeating too soon may not provide useful new information.
For comparison, take previous reports with you. Measurements are easiest to compare when the same sites and, where possible, the same equipment are used.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shalabh Bansal, DMRD, FRCR (UK).
Tesla Imaging & Diagnostic Centre, 44, New Shivpuri, opposite Eves Hospital, Hapur Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250002.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about DEXA scans
At what age should women get a DEXA scan?+
International clinical guidance commonly recommends bone-density testing for women aged 65 and older. A doctor may advise it earlier after menopause when risk factors such as low body weight, a previous fracture, certain medicines or a condition linked with bone loss are present.
Should men have a DEXA scan?+
Men can also develop osteoporosis. International bone-density guidance includes men aged 70 and older, and younger men with relevant risk factors, but your doctor should decide based on your health and fracture risk.
Do I need a DEXA scan after a fracture from a minor fall?+
A fracture after a small fall or mild injury can be a sign of fragile bones. Tell your treating doctor, who may advise a DEXA scan and other checks rather than judging the fracture in isolation.
Can long-term steroid medicines affect bone density?+
Yes. Some medicines, including long-term corticosteroids, can increase bone loss. Do not stop any prescribed medicine yourself; ask the prescribing doctor whether bone-density testing or preventive treatment is appropriate.
Is a DEXA scan painful and does it use radiation?+
DEXA is a quick, non-invasive examination and does not usually involve injections. It uses a very low dose of X-rays, so tell the team before the scan if you are or may be pregnant.
How often should a DEXA scan be repeated?+
There is no single repeat interval for everyone. Your doctor considers the first result, treatment, medicines, health conditions and whether a repeat measurement would change care.
Read the DEXA service information, view the DEXA price and booking page, check patient preparation guidance or find directions to Tesla Imaging in Meerut.
Medical disclaimer: This guide provides general education and appointment information. It does not decide whether you personally need a DEXA scan, diagnose osteoporosis or replace advice from your treating doctor. Seek medical advice for an individual risk assessment.
Clinical information reviewed against current International Society for Clinical Densitometry positions, osteoporosis-screening guidance and RadiologyInfo patient guidance.