If you’re booked for a Dexa scan, you could have a ton of inquiries regarding what’s in store and how to get ready. A Double Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Dexa) scan is a basic device for evaluating bone thickness and well-being, frequently used to analyse conditions like osteoporosis.
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your first Dexa scan.
What is a Dexa Scan?
A Dexa scan is a specific kind of X-ray that measures bone thickness by passing two different X-ray beams through your bones. How much X-ray that goes through your bones decides their thickness, which is significant for diagnosing bone-related conditions. Dexa scans are most usually used to evaluate bone well-being and analyse osteoporosis, a condition where bones become powerless and weak.
For what reason is a Dexa Scan Significant?
Bone thickness diminishes normally with age, and conditions like osteoporosis can speed up this, prompting an expanded gamble of fractures and different complexities. A Dexa scan helps in early location and considers opportune mediation—for example, medicine or way of life changes—to assist with keeping up with bone health.
Getting Ready for Your Dexa Scan: A Bit by bit Guide
1. Grasp the System
Before your scan, it’s useful to comprehend what will occur during the procedure. The Dexa scan is a speedy and painless test that typically goes on for about 10-20 minutes. You will lie on a cushioned table while the scanner arm moves over your body. The interaction is easy and includes no infusions or sedation.
2. Affirm Arrangement Subtleties
Ensure you have the right date, time, and area for your scan. Check particular guidelines given by your medical care supplier or the imaging community twice. If you’re uncertain about any subtleties, feel free to ask and confirm.
3. Wear Comfortable Apparel
Wear free and breezy with practically no metal zippers, fasteners, or belts. Metal articles can disrupt the accuracy of the scan. It’s ideal to wear clothing produced using materials like cotton that will not impede the X-ray near me.
4. Stay away from Calcium Enhancements Before the Scan
Calcium enhancements can influence the consequences of your Dexa scan. It’s for the most part specified not to take calcium supplements for like 24 hours before your scan. On the off chance that you have any worries or are on a particular calcium routine for clinical reasons, counsel your doctor for a customised procedure.
5. Illuminate Your Professional About Any Metal Inserts
If you have any metal inserts or prosthetics, like hip substitutions or dental work, illuminate the specialist before the scan. While metal embeds by and large don’t slow down the scan, it’s crucial to let the professional know so they can precisely decipher your outcomes.
6. Examine Recent Medical Procedures
Inform your medical services supplier as to whether you’ve as of late had some other operations or imaging tests. Certain techniques, for example, CT scans or X-rays, could influence your Dexa scan results assuming they were performed lately. Your supplier can offer direction on the best way to continue assuming there are any expected worries.
7. Audit Your Clinical History
Ensure your scan provider knows about your total clinical history, including any bone medical problems, drugs you’re taking, and any family background of bone-related conditions. This data assists in deciphering your Dexa with scanning results and arranging suitable treatment if necessary.
8. Hydrate and Eat Ordinarily
There are no particular dietary limitations for a Dexa scan. You can eat and drink as expected before your arrangement. Nonetheless, keeping up with great hydration and a fair eating routine can contribute decidedly to your general well-being and prosperity.
9. Show up before the expected time
Showing up right on time for your arrangement can assist with lessening any pressure or tension. It likewise gives you an opportunity to finish any fundamental administrative work and pose any late inquiries you could have.
10. Clarify some things
If you have any worries or inquiries concerning the method, go ahead and ask the specialist or your medical services supplier. Understanding the interaction can assist with facilitating any nervousness and guarantee you feel great and informed.
After the Dexa Scan
There’s no recuperation time required after a Dexa scan, and you can continue your ordinary exercises right away. Your outcomes will be broken down by a radiologist, and your medical care supplier will examine them with you during a subsequent arrangement. They will decipher your bone thickness results and give suggestions in light of your particular well-being needs.
Possible Outcomes
Dexa scan results are regularly detailed as a T-score or Z-score:
– T-Score: This looks at your bone thickness to the typical bone thickness of a sound youthful grown-up. A lower T-score demonstrates lower bone thickness and a higher risk of osteoporosis.
– Z-Score: This thinks about your bone thickness to what is generally anticipated for a person of your age, sex, and body size. It evaluates whether the bone thickness is lower than what is average for your age bunch.
Your medical care supplier will assist you with figuring out your outcomes and talk about any fundamental stages to oversee or work on your bone well-being.
Final Word
Planning for your Dexa scan doesn’t need to be unpleasant. By grasping the system, keeping planning rules, and knowing what’s in store, you can guarantee a smooth and precise testing process. Keep in mind that a Dexa scan is a significant device in observing and keeping up with your bone well-being. If you have any further different kinds of feedback, make it a point to out to your medical care supplier for customised counsel.
CareScan is an excellent provider to consider if you need to get a Dexa scan soon. Check out their official website and book a scanning appointment.
