DEXA (bone density measurement)

The GE Medical Systems LUNAR Prodigy Pro bone density measurement device is one of the most advanced in its category. In addition to measuring bone density, this device is also suitable for body composition analysis, showing the distribution of fat tissue and muscle mass by body part. It provides highly accurate, clinical-grade results.

The DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) bone density test determines the mineral content and density of the bones, allowing us to determine whether osteoporosis is present. Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease in which bone mass and density decrease, weakening the structure of the bones and increasing their fragility. The bone density measurement procedure, which uses X-rays, is also known by the Greek-Latin term osteodensitometry (ODM test). However, the amount of radiation used is minimal compared to a conventional X-ray examination.

The importance of bone density testing lies in its ability to identify bone density loss at an early stage, which increases the risk of bone fractures. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can halt bone loss, increase bone density, and contribute to improving quality of life.

The advantages of DEXA testing include speed and painlessness. Depending on the type of test, it only takes a few minutes, and patients can remain comfortably lying down during the process. The radiation exposure received by the patient during the procedure is extremely low, so the test can be safely repeated at regular intervals to monitor changes in bone density.

Bone density testing is not only important for individuals prone to osteoporosis. Bone density decreases with age, so it is recommended to have this type of test done regularly to maintain ideal bone density.

In Hungary, approximately 1 million people over the age of 40 suffer from osteoporosis. Experts estimate that half of women over the age of 50 and a quarter of men over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. Studies have shown that one-third of adults over the age of 40 who do not yet suffer from osteoporosis experience some degree of bone density loss (osteopenia). Osteopenia is the early stage of osteoporosis and, if left untreated, can lead to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis develops with advancing age, as bones lose their ability to regenerate. Bones are living tissue, just like any other part of the body, and they continuously replace their own cells and tissue throughout our lives. Until around the age of 30, the body naturally builds more bone than it loses. After the age of 35, bones break down faster than the body can replace them, leading to a gradual loss of bone mass. In osteoporosis, this process occurs at a faster rate.

The DEXA test is quick, painless, and does not require undressing. Bone density measurement is particularly important over the age of 40, when hormonal changes affect both women and men. During perimenopause/menopause, hormonal changes also have a significant impact on bones. Bone loss accelerates, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Therefore, regular bone density monitoring is particularly important during this stage of life.

How is bone density measured?

Preparation:

It is not recommended to take calcium supplements on the day of the examination.

No referral is required for the examination.

Removal of metals: All metal objects, including jewelry, watches, and other accessories, must be removed before the examination.

During the test, wear comfortable, metal-free clothing that does not interfere with the measurement.

Test procedure:

The patient lies on the examination table fully clothed or sits on a chair for wrist measurement.

The machine emits a low-dose X-ray that works with two types of energy.

Most often, the hip and lumbar spine (lumbar vertebrae) areas are examined, as this is where osteoporosis can be best detected.

The measurement itself takes 5-6 minutes.

The examination is painless.

Result:

You will receive the result in the form of a T-score and Z-score immediately after the examination

T-score: The bone density of the person in question compared to the average for young adults. The deviation from the average is proportional to the risk of bone fracture

0 – -1: normal

-1 – -2.5: osteopenia (decreased bone density, but not yet osteoporosis)

Below -2.5: osteoporosis

Z-score: Value compared to people of the same age, gender, and body type (mainly used for younger people or men)

Total body composition analysis

Total body composition analysis is a diagnostic procedure that determines the percentage of the body that is made up of

fat (body fat %),

muscle (muscle mass),

bone (bone mass),

water (body water %),

and other components.

This test can be useful when changing your lifestyle, dieting, assessing your training program or health status, or during hormonal testing. Athletes and bodybuilders can make excellent use of the test results when designing their training plans and diets and tracking their results.

It provides a much more accurate picture than, for example, body mass index (BMI). BMI cannot accurately determine how much fat or muscle tissue our entire body contains. Fat accumulation in the abdominal cavity is associated with heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetes, high triglyceride levels, and metabolic syndrome.

Anyone who thinks that body weight is the only important indicator of physical fitness is mistaken. After all, the number of kilograms alone does not reveal the ratio of fat to muscle in our bodies. An 80-kilogram man may be obese or all muscle – total body composition measurement is used to determine this accurately.

Fat is necessary in the body because it cushions the skeletal system, protects internal organs, helps regulate body temperature, and stores vitamins. In addition, during periods of "starvation" (which, fortunately, are not caused by adverse circumstances), reserves help the body to sustain itself. In other words, the goal is not to completely eliminate fat from the body, but simply to reduce it to a healthy level. The body's fat content is also influenced by gender and age.

What method is used to examine body composition?

DEXA – dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

The same machine used to measure bone density can also examine total body composition.

It provides highly accurate, clinical-grade results.

It also shows the distribution of fat tissue and muscle mass by body part.

No referral is necessary!

Short waiting times! We can perform the test on the same day!

You will receive the results immediately after the test!

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