A DEXA scan (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard test for measuring Bone Mineral Density (BMD). It uses two low-dose X-ray beams to assess bone strength at the spine, hip, and forearm. It is primarily done to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia, assess fracture risk, and monitor response to treatment. It also serves as the most accurate body composition test, measuring fat percentage and muscle mass.

A DEXA scan is recommended for women above 50 years (especially post-menopausal), men above 65 years, anyone with a history of fractures from minor falls, patients on long-term steroids or other bone-affecting medications, people with low body weight or malnutrition, those with thyroid or kidney disease, and individuals with a family history of osteoporosis.

The T-score compares your bone density with a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex:

• T-score -1.0 or above → Normal — healthy bone density
• T-score -1.0 to -2.5 → Osteopenia — low bone density; lifestyle changes recommended
• T-score -2.5 or below → Osteoporosis — significantly weakened bones; medical treatment required

The Z-score compares your density with age-matched peers and is used for younger patients and children.

Yes, DEXA scan is extremely safe. The radiation dose is only 1–10 microsieverts (μSv) — this is:

• Less than one day of natural background radiation
• Far less than a chest X-ray (100 μSv)
• Much less than a CT scan (1,000–10,000 μSv)

It is safe for most adults including elderly patients. It is generally avoided during pregnancy due to precaution, even though the dose is very low.

DEXA scan cost in Ahmedabad varies by type:

• Spine + Hip BMD (standard bone density): ₹1,200 – ₹1,800
• Full body DEXA (bone + body composition): ₹1,800 – ₹2,500
• Forearm DEXA (wrist bone density): ₹800 – ₹1,500

For exact pricing, call +91 79 6969 0900 or WhatsApp us. Usmanpura Imaging Centre provides NABH-accredited DEXA scans at affordable rates.

Both conditions are detected by DEXA scan. Early detection at osteopenia stage allows intervention before osteoporosis develops.

Yes — whole-body DEXA is one of the most accurate body composition tests available. It measures:

• Total body fat percentage
• Visceral (deep abdominal) fat — associated with heart disease and diabetes risk
• Lean muscle mass in each limb separately
• Android/Gynoid fat ratio (apple vs pear body shape)
• Bone mineral content (total)

It is more accurate than BMI, skinfold calipers, or bioimpedance (BIA) scales. Used by athletes, bariatric care teams, endocrinologists, and fitness professionals.

• Normal bone density: Every 2–3 years for high-risk patients (menopausal women, steroid users)
• Osteopenia: Every 1–2 years to monitor progression
• On osteoporosis treatment: Every 1–2 years to assess treatment response
• Body composition tracking: Every 3–6 months for athletes or weight management programmes

Bring your previous DEXA report when repeating — direct comparison of BMD values over time is the most clinically useful part of follow-up scans.

Yes. At Usmanpura Imaging Centre you can book a DEXA scan without a prescription for preventive screening or body composition assessment. Our radiologists provide a comprehensive report with T-score, Z-score, and clinical interpretation. A prescription helps with insurance reimbursement.

Usmanpura Imaging Centre offers DEXA bone density scans across its branches in Ahmedabad (Usmanpura, Maninagar, Satellite, Bapunagar, Naroda, Nikol, Sabarmati, Vadaj, Juhapura), as well as Gandhinagar, Patan, Nadiad, Anand, Rajkot, and Morbi, with NABH-accredited quality and same-day reporting.