Pre-Surgical Imaging
DEXA bone density scans at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Osteoporosis assessment for the North Shore — Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon & surrounds. Book today.
What Is a DEXA Scan and How Does It Measure Bone Density?
A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard investigation for measuring bone mineral density — providing your doctor with a precise, objective assessment of the strength and density of your bones. It is a simple, quick, and remarkably low-radiation scan that provides the most accurate bone health assessment available.
How it works:
– You lie comfortably on a padded scanning table while the DEXA arm passes slowly overhead.
– Two low-energy X-ray beams at different energy levels pass through the bones being assessed.
– The amount of energy absorbed by the bone versus the surrounding soft tissue is measured.
– This information is used to calculate bone mineral density (BMD) — expressed in grams per square centimetre.
– The result is then compared against established reference ranges for your age, sex, and ethnicity.
The scan is most commonly performed on the lumbar spine (lower back) and hip — the sites most relevant to fracture risk assessment. At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, DEXA scans are performed by experienced staff and reported by specialist radiologists with results sent to your GP within 24 to 48 hours.
Who Should Have a Bone Density Scan — Age & Risk Factors
A DEXA scan is recommended for a range of patients — not only older women. Understanding who should be assessed helps ensure bone health is monitored before problems develop.
Women who should consider a DEXA scan:
– Women aged 65 and over — routine assessment is recommended
– Post-menopausal women under 65 with additional risk factors
– Women who have experienced a low-impact fracture (a fracture from a minor fall or everyday activity)
– Women who have experience menopause or significant pause in periods before the age of 45
Men who should consider a DEXA scan:
– Men aged 70 and over
– Men with specific risk factors such as long-term steroid use, low testosterone, or a previous low-impact fracture
Other risk factors that may prompt earlier DEXA assessment:
– Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
– Certain medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease
– Low body weight or significant unintentional weight loss
– A strong family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
Your GP will advise whether a DEXA scan is appropriate for your situation.
Understanding Your T-Score and Z-Score Results
DEXA results are reported as two scores — a T-score and a Z-score — and understanding what these mean helps you make sense of your bone health report.
T-score: Compares your bone density to a healthy young adult of the same sex.
– T-score above -1.0: Normal bone density
– T-score between -1.0 and -2.5: Osteopenia (lower than normal bone density — a warning sign)
– T-score below -2.5: Osteoporosis (significantly reduced bone density)
Z-score: Compares your bone density to an average person of the same age, sex, and body size.
– A Z-score below -1.5 suggests bone density is lower than expected for your age group and warrants further investigation.
Both scores are useful — the T-score guides treatment decisions for osteoporosis, while the Z-score helps identify whether there may be an underlying condition contributing to bone loss. Your GP or specialist will interpret these results alongside your clinical history and fracture risk assessment.
How Often Should You Repeat a DEXA Scan?
The frequency of repeat DEXA scanning depends on your baseline results, your age, and whether you are on treatment for osteoporosis or osteopenia.
General guidance:
– Normal bone density: A repeat scan in 5 to 10 years is typically sufficient for most patients without major risk factors.
– Osteopenia (borderline results): A repeat scan in 2 to 3 years allows your GP to monitor whether bone density is stable, improving, or declining.
– Osteoporosis or on treatment: Annual or two-yearly scans are commonly recommended to assess treatment response and ensure medication is working as expected.
– Following a change in risk factors: A repeat scan may be recommended sooner if a new risk factor emerges, such as starting long-term steroid medication.
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, DEXA results are reported consistently using standardised protocols — making it easy to compare your results accurately over time. Call (02) 9129 6999 to book.
Bulk Billing
Available Here
All Referrals Accepted
We Handle Your
Insurance Claims
We Accept All Workers Compensation Cases
Get in Touch
Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM