DEXA Scan

What Is a DEXA Scan? 

A DEXA scan is a simple test that uses a very small amount of Xray to check how strong your child’s bones are.  DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. 

Why Is a DEXA Scan Used at a Children’s Hospital? 

Doctors use a DEXA scan to look at bone health and growth. This can be helpful if your child has a condition or treatment that may make bones weaker. 

A DEXA scan may be ordered if your child has: 

• Low bone density or risk of fractures 
• Long-term health conditions (like inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis) 
• Endocrine or hormonal disorders 
• Nutritional concerns, like poor weight gain or eating disorders 
• Long-term steroid use or other medications that affect bones 
• A need to monitor growth and development over time 
• A need to check body composition in certain medical conditions 

How to Get Ready for a DEXA Scan 

Because children are still growing, their results are compared with other children their same age and sex — not with adults. 

Before the scan: 

• No fasting required – your child can eat and drink normally 
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal 
• No zippers, snaps, buttons, or belts 
• Remove jewelry, watches, or metal objects 

During the scan: 

• Your child lies still on a padded table 
• The scanner moves slowly over the body 
• The scan takes about 10–20 minutes   
• Parents are allowed to stay in the room 
• Sedation is almost never needed 
• The test is quiet and painless 
• Younger children are coached to stay still; distraction techniques are often used.