Bone Density (DEXA)

Now Available: Horizon^® DXA System

Ottumwa Regional Health Center now offers the advanced Horizon^® DXA System for fast, precise bone density and body composition assessments. DXA is the gold standard for osteoporosis evaluation and provides important insights for early detection, treatment planning and long-term bone health monitoring. With quick scan times, exceptional image quality and patient-focused design, this new technology helps us deliver even more advanced care close to home.

What Is A DXA Scan?

A DXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), commonly referred to as a DEXA scan or bone density test, is a painless imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone density. It helps detect osteoporosis, assess your risk of fractures and monitor bone health over time. The scan usually targets areas most likely to fracture, such as the hip and spine, and is considered the gold standard for evaluating bone strength.

During a comprehensive examination with DEXA, you will lie comfortably still on a padded table while the DEXA unit scans two or more areas, usually the fracture prone hip and spine. Unlike some X-ray machines, radiation exposure during bone density is extremely low. The entire process takes only minutes to complete, depending on the number of sites scanned. It involves no injections or invasive procedures.

Why Choose DEXA at ORHC?

Fast, comfortable exams
Bone density scans in as little as 10–30 seconds
Full body composition assessments in approximately two minutes
Designed for comfort with 24-inch C-arm clearance
Supports patients up to 500 pounds

A DEXA Scan is Strongly Recommended if You:

Are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
Have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
Are post-menopausal women who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds).
Are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
Use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
Have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
Have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples.
Have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
Have a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism.
Have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
Have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.

A physician's order is required to have a DEXA scan. It is a simple, quick and non-invasive exam.

Preparing for a DEXA Scan (Bone Density)

On the day of the exam, you:

May eat normally.
Should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.
Should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal.
May be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam.
May also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.
Should inform your physician if you have recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or radioisotope scan. You may have to wait 10 to 14 days before undergoing a DEXA test.
Should always inform your physician or x-ray technologist if you are a woman and there is any possibility that you are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy because radiation may be harmful to the fetus.

Our imaging department seeks to provide your physician with the diagnostic tools needed to pinpoint an injury or illness, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Our experienced staff works together to provide quality medical imaging services in a comfortable and convenient setting.

Schedule Your DEXA Scan

Contact your provider or find one at 641.505.1375. A physician's order is required.