Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone densitometry of the lumbar spine and hip
Bone density scan (DXA) in Casablanca
A bone density scan measures the mineral density of your bones, that is, how rich they are in calcium. It is used to screen for osteoporosis, assess the risk of fracture and monitor the effect of a treatment. The machine uses a very low dose of X-rays. The center measures the lumbar spine and the hip, and the forearm if one of the two cannot be measured. The exam takes about 15 minutes, with no needle and no pain, and the report is handed to you the same day.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam takes about 15 minutes.
Report turnaround
The report is handed over the same day.
Equipment
Hologic Discovery
When is this exam needed?
- Osteoporosis screening, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Fracture after a fall from a low height or without a major impact.
- Long-term cortisone treatment, or a disease known to weaken bones.
- Monitoring of osteoporosis treatment.
- Fracture risk assessment requested by your doctor.
How the exam is done
At reception, you show your prescription and, if you have one, your previous bone density scan. In the changing room, you remove anything that contains metal around the abdomen and hips: belt, buttons, zipper.
You lie on your back on the table. For the lumbar spine, your legs rest on a support; for the hip, your foot is turned slightly inward. The arm of the machine passes slowly above you without touching you: you stay still and breathe normally. If the spine or the hip cannot be measured, the forearm is measured instead. If you have a hip prosthesis, the other hip is measured; if you have hardware in the spine, the vertebrae concerned are excluded, or another area is measured.
You get dressed and leave with your report the same day. You can resume your activities right away.
Preparation
- Stop calcium supplements 24 hours before the exam; your other treatments do not change.
- Wait 7 days after an exam with a contrast agent (barium, iodine) or a scintigraphy (nuclear medicine scan).
- Wear clothes with no metal around the abdomen and hips.
- Bring your previous bone density scan: the comparison is preferably made on the same machine.
Fasting
No fasting is needed: you eat and drink normally.
Contrast injection
Nothing is injected.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: the exam is postponed.
- Exam with a contrast agent (barium, iodine) or scintigraphy less than 7 days ago: the exam is rescheduled.
- Weight over 150 kg, the table's limit: tell us when you book.
- Hip prosthesis: tell us, the other hip is measured.
- Hardware in the spine (screws, rods): tell us, the vertebrae concerned are excluded or another area is measured.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Previous bone density scan, with its report
- List of your current treatments
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the exam painful?
No. You stay lying down, the machine does not touch you and no injection is given.
Is the X-ray dose high?
No, it is very low, much lower than that of a chest X-ray.
What do the T-score and the Z-score mean?
The T-score compares your bone density with that of a young adult, the Z-score with that of people your age. Your doctor interprets them in light of your situation.
How often should the exam be repeated?
Usually every 2 years, sooner if your doctor requests it, for example during treatment. Preferably repeat it on the same machine, bringing the previous exam.
Is the exam done in children?
Yes, the center also performs it in children, at the doctor's request. The result is then compared with that of children of the same age.