Imaging Associates offers DEXA scans at our radiology clinics across Melbourne, Gippsland and Wagga Wagga.

A radiographer preparing a patient for a DEXA scan.

What is a DEXA scan?

DEXA scans (Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry), also known as a Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) scans, use low-level x-ray imaging to determine the density, and therefore strength, of your bones.

It measures the level of particular minerals in your bones, which can then assess the likelihood of a fracture or bone disintegration.

What happens during a DEXA scan?

  • For this scan, you will be asked to lie on a table and a camera arm will move above you.
  • The results of your test will then be compared to a standard, comprising a group of young and healthy individuals and a group of individuals who match your profile in age, weight, gender etc.
  • Your result will indicate if your bone density is high (strong) or low (prone to osteoporosis or to fracture easily).

Book a DEXA scan near you

DEXA services are available at select Imaging Associates clinics located across Melbourne and Gippsland VIC, and Wagga Wagga NSW.

Imaging Associates accepts all medical imaging referrals, even if written or printed on another radiology company’s request form.

Book an appointment
Woman having a DEXA scan at Imaging Associates.

What do you need to know?

Unless instructed otherwise, you can eat normally on the day of the exam. However, please avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing; track suits and other casual clothing without zippers, buttons or any metal are preferred.

You should not have had a barium study, radioisotope injection, oral or intravenous contrast dye from a CT scan or MRI within seven days of your DEXA scan.

What do we need to know?

Please advise us if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.


Related radiology services

X-ray imaging is commonly used to visualise injuries of the arms and legs, but is also used for the shoulder, clavicle and chest.

An Ultrasound scan is an imaging technique using sound waves transmitted from a handheld transducer, which can image most body parts.

A CT scan produces images of your internal organs and structures, which help to diagnose and monitor pain or disease and guide treatment.