Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital, we know you might worry about radiation in medical tests. A DEXA scan is used to check bone density. It helps find osteoporosis. It sends high- and low-energy x-rays through your body. Discover the amount of radiation in DEXA scan. Our ultimate guide reveals the amazing truth and powerful facts about the safety of this test.

We want to reassure you. DEXA scans have very low ionizing radiation. They use between 0.001 to 0.03 millisieverts (mSv). This amount is safe for most people, like a regular x-ray.

Key Takeaways

• DEXA scans measure bone density using low levels of x-ray radiation.
• The radiation level in a DEXA scan is very low, ranging from 0.001 to 0.03 mSv.
• DEXA scans are considered safe for most individuals.
• Liv Hospital uses DEXA scans to support patient well-being and peace of mind.
• DEXA scans are an important diagnostic tool for osteoporosis.

Understanding DEXA Scan Technology and Its Applications

DEXA scan technology uses low-energy X-ray beams. It gives a detailed look at bone mineral density and body composition. DEXA scans are mainly used to check bone health and diagnose osteoporosis.

What Is a DEXA Scan and How Does It Work?

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a non-invasive test. It measures bone mineral density and body composition. It uses low-energy X-ray beams to create detailed images of bones, usually in the lower spine and hips.

The technology behind DEXA scans allows for precise measurements of bone density. This helps healthcare providers diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk.

DEXA for Bone Density vs. Body Composition Analysis

DEXA scans are not just for bone density. They are also used for body composition analysis. This makes DEXA scans valuable for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring changes in body fat and lean mass.

Understanding DEXA scans’ different uses is key to their value in preventive healthcare. Whether for bone density or body composition, DEXA scans provide vital information. This information guides treatment decisions and lifestyle changes.

The Amount of Radiation in DEXA Scan: Facts and Figures

It’s important to know how much radiation DEXA scans use. These scans help check bone density and body composition. People often worry about the radiation.

“A DEXA scan’s radiation dose is very low, from 0.001 to 0.03 millisieverts (mSv),” medical guidelines say. To understand this, we need to know what millisieverts are and how they compare to daily radiation.

Measuring Radiation: Understanding Millisieverts

A millisievert (mSv) measures radiation’s biological effect. It’s a standard unit for radiation doses, including from DEXA scans. The average yearly background radiation is about 2 to 3 mSv, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes.

The dose from a DEXA scan is much lower than background radiation. It ranges from 0.001 to 0.03 mSv. This shows DEXA scan radiation is very small compared to the natural radiation we get yearly.

DEXA Scan Radiation Levels Compared to Daily Environmental Exposure

Comparing DEXA scan radiation to daily exposure helps see its safety. The dose from a DEXA scan is like a few days of natural background radiation. For example, flying from New York to Los Angeles exposes you to about 0.1 mSv of cosmic radiation, more than a DEXA scan.

So, DEXA scan radiation is very low. This makes it a safe choice for checking bone density or body composition. The benefits of a DEXA scan, when needed, are greater than the risks from low radiation.

“DEXA scans are safe for diagnosing and managing osteoporosis and other bone issues,” a medical expert said.

Knowing the facts about DEXA scan radiation helps ease worries. It shows that this diagnostic tool is safe and valuable.

Comparing DEXA Scan Radiation to Other Medical Imaging Procedures

It’s important to compare DEXA scans to other medical imaging to understand their safety. This helps both patients and doctors see the risks and benefits of DEXA scans.

DEXA vs. X-rays, Mammograms, and CT Scans

DEXA scans use very little radiation. Let’s look at how much radiation they use compared to other tests. A DEXA scan uses about 0.001-0.01 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation.

A chest X-ray uses about 0.1 mSv, and a mammogram uses about 0.4 mSv. CT scans, though, can use a lot more, up to 10 mSv or more, depending on the scan and body part.

DEXA scans have one of the lowest radiation doses among common tests. This is good news, mainly for people who need to have scans often. For example, those with osteoporosis or who are tracking body composition.

Is There a Cancer Risk from DEXA Scan Radiation?

The radiation from DEXA scans is safe for most people. The benefits of using DEXA scans to diagnose and manage conditions like osteoporosis are greater than the risks.

A study in Radiology found that the chance of getting cancer from a DEXA scan is less than one in a million for both men and women. While it’s good to reduce radiation, DEXA scans are considered safe.

Key Points to Consider:

• DEXA scans have lower radiation doses compared to most other medical imaging procedures.
• The benefits of DEXA scans in diagnosing and managing conditions like osteoporosis generally outweigh the risks.
• Research indicates that the cancer risk associated with DEXA scan radiation is very low.

Knowing how DEXA scans compare to other imaging in terms of radiation helps patients and doctors make better choices for their care.

When to Get a DEXA Scan: Age and Risk-Based Recommendations

Knowing when to get a DEXA scan is key for keeping your bones healthy. We suggest getting a DEXA scan based on your age, risk factors, and health.

DEXA Scan Age Recommendations for Bone Health Screening

The right time for a DEXA scan depends on your gender and risk factors. Women over 65 should get a DEXA scan for osteoporosis screening. Women between 50 and 64 should consider it based on their risk factors.

Key risk factors include:

• A personal or maternal history of hip fracture
• Smoking
• Low body weight
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medications that affect bone health

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

People with certain health issues or risk factors might need a DEXA scan sooner or more often. This includes those with a history of fractures, on long-term corticosteroids, or with conditions that affect bone density.

For instance, patients with:

• Osteoporosis
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Type 1 diabetes
• Early menopause

may benefit from a DEXA scan as part of their management plan.

How Often Should You Get a DEXA Scan?

The DEXA scan frequency depends on your bone density and risk factors. If your first scan shows normal results, you might not need another for years. But, if you have osteoporosis or are at high risk, your doctor might suggest more frequent checks.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice on when and how often to get a DEXA scan. They will look at your health and risk factors to decide what’s best for you.

Conclusion: The Safety Profile of DEXA Scans in Preventive Healthcare

DEXA scans are safe for checking bone health and risk of fractures. They are more beneficial than the small radiation risk. This makes them key in managing osteoporosis.

The radiation from DEXA scans is very low. This makes them a great tool for early detection of osteoporosis. They are important for those at high risk or needing regular checks.

DEXA scans are vital for keeping bones healthy. They help find and manage bone issues early. This knowledge helps people take care of their bones and doctors make better plans for care.

In short, DEXA scans are safe and very helpful in healthcare. It’s wise to talk to a doctor about them. This helps figure out the best plan for your health.

FAQ

References

Radiation Exposure of Medical Imaging. (n.d.). In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565909/