dexa scan in north Vancouver, BC

A DEXA scan is suitable for most individuals, including adults of all ages. It’s commonly used by athletes, individuals focused on weight management, and those monitoring bone health. 

However, it’s not typically recommended for pregnant women due to the very low amount of radiation involved.

If you've had recent medical imaging involving contrast agents or nuclear medicine procedures, we may need to postpone your scan. It's best to wait at least 48 hours after such procedures.

A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to measure body composition, including fat and muscle mass, and bone density. The scan is done in minutes, painless, and involves lying still on a table while the machine scans your body. The data is then analyzed to provide a detailed report of your body’s composition.

DEXA scans are safe for repeated measurements, but how often you should get a DEXA scan depends on your individual circumstances. Your treatment provider will discuss the most appropriate scanning schedule for your needs.

For general health and fitness, every 6 months is a suitable frequency to assess your progress. 

For active weight loss or muscle gain, every 3 months may be more suitable.

An annual scan once a year may be recommended if you are simply looking to track body composition for maintenance.

A DEXA scan offers several advantages compared to other body composition assessment methods. It’s more precise than traditional techniques like hydrostatic weighing or skinfold calipers and significantly faster and more convenient than MRI scans. Unlike CT scans, DEXA scans involve much lower radiation exposure, making them a safer choice.

DEXA scans are highly accurate, capable of detecting small changes in body composition over time. They provide detailed information about fat and lean tissue distribution across different body regions and can assess various types of fat, including subcutaneous and visceral fat. Additionally, DEXA scans account for individual variations in bone density, making them more accurate for diverse populations. Unlike some other methods, DEXA scans are not affected by factors like residual air in the lungs, ensuring reliable results every time.

Yes, DEXA scans are safe. They use a very low level of radiation, much lower than a standard chest X-ray. The amount of radiation exposure from a DEXA scan is minimal and generally considered safe for repeated use, though it’s advised to discuss any concerns with your treatment provider.

A DEXA scan is quick and painless, typically taking about 6 minutes. During the scan, you'll lie comfortably on a padded table while the scanner does its work—there’s no enclosed space, so most people find the experience quite comfortable. Immediately after, your report will be ready and you will sit with your treatment provider to go through a detailed post-scan consultation. 

Preparing for your DEXA scan is simple. We recommend avoiding exercise before your appointment. It’s best to fast for about two hours beforehand, and also avoid drinking anything prior to your scan. You can wear comfortable workout clothes without large metal components (small zippers or buttons are fine). Before the scan, we’ll ask you to remove any metal items like jewelry or belts to ensure accurate results. You’ll be presented with your results in full after the scan, and this is the best time to ask all your questions regarding the assessment.