DEXA Scans
We offer DEXA scans at our Lifford Primary Care Centre.
A DEXA scan measures a person’s bone mineral density, which tells the condition of the person’s bone health. It is widely used in the diagnosis of Osteoporosis.
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss getting a DEXA scan if required.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone strength, which places a person at high risk of a bone break. It is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ because there are no signs or symptoms prior to a fracture. Most people are not diagnosed until they have had multiple fractures. Osteoporosis is preventable in the majority of cases. For further information on Osteoporosis, please visit the Irish Osteoporosis Society.
DEXA scans are recommended for:
-
Women age 65 and older
-
Post-menopausal women under 65 (as they have additional osteoporosis risk factors)
-
Post-menopausal women who sustain a fracture
-
Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT/ERT) for prolonged periods
-
Men with clinical conditions associated with bone loss
-
Those with X-ray evidence of vertebral fracture
What Happens During The DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is like having an X-ray. It is completely painless, and it is not claustrophobic. You lie on your back for approximately 10-15 minutes while a bar moves back and forth above you.