Question 1

What does a DEXA / DXA scan measure?

Accepted Answer

A DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring body composition. It measures body fat, muscle mass, whole body bone density, visceral fat, resting metabolic rate, and ALMI / RSMI (measures of muscularity). The scan is safe, simple, and painless, taking between 6 to 12 minutes. You'll lie still on a scan bed while a small X-ray scanner (densitometer) captures images of your body. The radiation exposure is minimal, about 1/20th of a chest X-ray, which is less than a one-way flight from Toronto to Vancouver or a daily dose of natural background radiation. We use the top-tier Lunar Prodigy Advance by GE for our body composition testing.

Question 2

What should I do to prepare for my DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

To prepare for your DEXA scan:
- Drink your normal amount of fluid (don't overhydrate).
- Avoid consuming a very fatty meal right before the scan as it can affect visceral fat assessment.
- Do not exercise strenuously within 2 hours of your test; you can exercise after the scan.
- Wear comfortable clothing with minimal metal (avoid denim, zippers, buttons, or wire bras). Remove additional metal items like glasses, hair pins, and rings before the scan. A T-shirt with shorts or jogging pants is ideal.
- Metal inside the body (plates, pins, screws, prosthetic joints) or piercings that can't be removed will be consistent from one scan to the next and added to the body composition. We can still scan you if you have metal that can't be removed.
- If you had any of these tests this week, please reschedule for 6 weeks: Barium Enema, Contrast MRI, CAT Scan, or Nuclear Medicine Tests.

For follow-up studies:
- Maintain a similar routine 24 hours before your baseline test (eat, exercise, hydrate at the same time) and try to come at similar times of the day as your last scan.
- A follow-up scan is recommended in 3-4 months to monitor muscle mass and body fat loss and see if your plan works.

Question 3

How long will my DXA scan appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Your DXA scan appointment will take about 45 minutes in total. The scan itself takes between 6 to 12 minutes. During this time, you'll lie on a flat table while a scanner arm moves over your body to capture images. The rest of the appointment includes analysis, immediate results, and a discussion of your data.

Question 4

Who should not get a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

• We cannot do the test if you are currently pregnant or could possibly be pregnant.
 • If you had a dye (contrast media) injected from a CT or MRI procedure; any GI series; a barium study; or a radioisotope injection in the past week, please reschedule in 3 weeks as these substances may interfere with the test results.

Question 5

Will my insurance cover the DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

You will need to contact your insurance provider to check if the DEXA scan is covered. If you have a healthcare spending account, the cost may be reimbursed. Look for coverage under "nutritionist," "nutrition counseling," or "health counseling."

Question 6

Will metal implants affect my DXA scan results?

Accepted Answer

Metal implants in your body will be recorded as bone in the scan. This will be consistent across all your scans, ensuring that your comparative results remain valid.

Question 7

How does hydration affect a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

It is best to have normal hydration levels for the scan.  Water is not fat or bone mineral content and is thus added to lean tissue.  If one is extremely dehydrated or fasting for long periods prior to the scan, then this can reduce the total lean tissue values.  If one is extremely hydrated, then this can increase the lean tissue values.

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