Dexa Scan NJ

A DEXA scan measures the bone density, and a Bone Scan allows diagnosing problems with bones. Both are medical imaging tests. DEXA measures the mineral content of the bones, while a bone scan helps to diagnose different bone conditions. These are different in terms of purpose, assessment, and application. DEXA Scan NJ has gained a lot of attention in recent years. The affordable medical imaging made it easier for people to gain awareness of their illness. Bone diseases like osteoporosis are increasingly common serious conditions. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reported more than 44 million Americans to have osteoporosis. Out of these, 55% of the people are aged 50 and older. 80% of the affected population are women. Only one in eight men suffers from this disease.

Bone Scan vs. DEXA Scan

A bone scan is also known as skeletal scintigraphy. It allows diagnosing and evaluating different types of bone conditions and diseases. Radioactive materials are used in the process, spotted as radiotracers. These are injected into the bloodstream where it travels through the area under examination. The radiations are in the form of gamma rays and pinpoint the molecular activities within the body. Contrarily, the DEXA bone density test uses low radiations. It is recommended to begin screening for bone density as early as possible. Treatments can improve bone density loss or slow down the loss. DEXA scan NJ ensures that no special preparations are required for testing. It will be performed while the patient lies on the back on a flat and open X-ray table. Staying still can ensure images are not blurred.

A bone scan is beneficial in identifying diseases in their earliest stages. Bone scans help in finding out if breast cancer has traveled to the bones or not. It is a nuclear medicine test. If tissues and cells in the body are changing, they absorb more amount of tracer. DEXA scan NJ is better than other radiology tests like MRI and CT scans. The machine scans the back and hips of patients that takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A large scanning arm passes slowly over the body parts being examined. More than one body part can be scanned at a time. The staff and practitioners at DEXA scan NJ are well-trained and specialized in supporting patients.

A bone scan stipulates the presence of cancer. The initial diagnosis employing bone scan checks that bones are healthy or not. It develops baseline images that can be noted and compared to future scans. A DEXA scan is used by healthcare providers to track changes in bone health over time. Also, it monitors the response of the patient’s body to treatment or medication. The DEXA Scan NJ aided in evaluating body composition considering the fat and muscle mass of the body, where it is, and how much it is. The DEXA bone scan can be performed once every two years according to the approved timeframe. It is the only test available to discover osteoporosis. 

The procedure of bone scan commences when an injection of radioactive material is injected into the arm of the patient. In the next few hours, it reaches the bone-making cells of the body. These cells are found in affected areas. A special camera is used to scan the body that reflects the areas of extra bone activities. Dark patches are identified in these areas on the film that confirms cancer. DEXA scan NJ uses two X-ray beams with different energy levels, one low and one high. The results vary based on the thickness of the bone. 

A bone scan is a painless procedure that requires the patient to lie for up to an hour. The doctors are required to perform the scan and identify the illness that might be cancer or arthritis. DEXA Scan NJ provides DXA machines that provide test results within a day. Results are reported as a T-score or Z-score. Based on this, diagnosis and treatment plans are produced. Treatments are dependent on standardized T-score values. The World Health Organization has classified T-score values. Reduced bone mass is identified as osteopenia and fragile bones are identified as osteoporosis. DEXA Scan NJ involves a testing department that specializes in the area of skeletal health. 

A DEXA Scan

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a bone density test that detects thinning bones at an early stage. Bone scans are carried out using DEXA, an advanced technology. DEXA bone density scan requires the patient to lie on the table while the technician aims at a scanner machine. It is mounted on as a long arm and uses low-energy radiation. It is the easiest and most standardized form of bone density testing. DEXA Scan NJ is typically using advanced technology to test patients. 

These scans are recommended for:

• Women receiving hormone replacement therapy.
• Women having post-menopausal symptoms.
• Men and women who take medications that increase the risk for osteoporosis.

A tiny amount of radiation is used to examine the density of the bone. It is a safe procedure but should not be undertaken during pregnancy as radiation exposure is not safe for developing children. A bone density test determines if the patient has osteoporosis – a disorder that affects the bones and makes them fragile and more likely to break. Early detections are crucial for reducing the risk of bone fractures. DEXA Scan NJ provides screening for osteoporosis and other bone problems. 

DEXA is performed when doctors want to:

• Assess the decreases in bone density. 
• Examine the chances of broken bones. 
• Monitor osteoporosis and its treatment.

Diagnose and confirm osteopenia

At What Age is DEXA Scan Recommended?

DEXA scan is recommended to women at the age of 60 or older. In this age group, women are more vulnerable to bone diseases. The risk for losing bone density is high and needs immediate attention. 

Symptoms of Low Bone Density are:

• Low body weight
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Have had fractures after the age of 50
• Have lost a half-inch or more in height

Some risk factors include:

• Heavy drinking
• Smoking cigarettes
• Lack of physical activities
• Insufficient Vitamin D and calcium intake
• Recurrent falls

New Jersey DEXA scan is helping the screening for osteoporosis and other disorders. Many people do not think about the strength of their bones until they suffer an injury or have any pain in their bones. As people age, bones weaken, unfortunately. It is more common in women as compared to men. Osteoporosis results in the formation of small holes in the bones that make them receptive to and defenseless to injuries. Patient stories about their experience with DEXA scan NJ reflect that they felt relieved and satisfied with the procedures. 

Final Thoughts

A bone scan and a DEXA bone scan are not the same. DEXA bone density test examines the health of bones that allows identifying bone diseases. DEXA Scan NJ is an advanced and definitive method of testing bone density. The patients in New Jersey can obtain their bone mineral density measured based on recommendations of their doctors. These are easy to perform and painless for the patients. Comparing a patient’s bone density with expected bone density facilitates in testing the conditions of the bone. DEXA Scan NJ allows doctors to determine individual risk factors to prepare patients for treatments.