For Patients · Women’s Health · DEXA
Bone Density (DEXA)
Measuring bone strength, precisely.
A DEXA scan is a quick, low-dose X-ray examination that measures the mineral density of your bones, most commonly focused on the lower spine and hips. It is the established standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, estimating fracture risk, and monitoring bone-strengthening treatments.
Scan time
X-ray
Measured
For osteoporosis
Who it is for
When a DEXA scan is ordered.
A DEXA scan measures bone strength. Your physician may order one to:
Measuring bone density to assess fracture risk.
Tracking density over time or during treatment.
Checking bones when risk factors are present.
Setting a reference for future comparison.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
DEXA is a quick, low-dose scan that measures bone density to assess the risk of fracture. Your physician advises when screening is appropriate for you.
Most scans need a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Speak to them about a referral — and if it helps, bring the form with you.
01
You are at an age or stage where bone-density screening is recommended.
02
You have risk factors for osteoporosis.
03
You are monitoring bone health during treatment.
04
A baseline measurement would help your care.
How it works
Reading the density of bone.
DEXA passes a low-dose beam over the spine and hips and measures how much is absorbed — a precise proxy for bone mineral density.
You rest on your back on the open scanning table.
A scanning arm passes slowly over your lower spine and hips.
The system calculates bone mineral density from the absorbed dose.
Results are compared to reference ranges and any prior scans to track change.
✓Hold calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan for an accurate reading.
How to prepare
Before your visit.
Preparation is minimal, but a couple of timing details matter for an accurate result.
Do not take calcium supplements or vitamins containing calcium for 24 hours before your exam.
Tell us if you have recently had a barium exam or received contrast for a CT or nuclear-medicine scan — you may need to wait 10 to 14 days before DEXA.
Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, belts, or buttons near your abdomen or hips.
What to expect
Quick, open, and painless.
The test takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. You lie on your back while a scanning arm passes slowly over your body. The procedure is non-invasive and painless.
Step 01
Check-in & lie back on the open table
Step 02
The scanning arm passes over spine and hips
Step 03
Bone density measured
about 15–20 minutes
Step 04
Free to resume your day right after
No recovery time is needed — you can resume normal activity immediately.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our specialist.
A signed report is delivered securely to your referring physician; for urgent cases we can share verbal findings the same day.
Your physician talks you through the findings and next steps.
Aftercare
After your scan.
There is no recovery period. An MRI, CT, mammogram, ultrasound or bone-density scan is non-invasive, so you leave as you arrived.
You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity right away.
Eat, work and exercise as usual unless your physician has told you otherwise.
When a contrast agent is given, drink plenty of water to help clear it. Your team will mention this if it applies to you.
Cost
What it costs.
Pricing on request
Bone density (DEXA)
We publish our prices up front. This service is quoted individually because the cost depends on the protocol your physician orders. Contact us and we will confirm the full cost, and any funding options, before you book.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is a DEXA scan painful?
No. It is quick, open and painless — you simply lie still on an open table.
How long does it take?
The scan itself takes only a few minutes.
Is the radiation dose safe?
DEXA uses a very low dose of X-rays, much lower than a standard X-ray.
How should I prepare?
Avoid calcium supplements on the day of the scan, and wear clothing without metal fasteners. Our team confirms details when you book.
Do I need a referral?
Our team confirms what is needed when you book.
Will my insurance cover it?
Initio is a private clinic, so the scan is paid directly. Many plans reimburse diagnostic imaging — we provide the documentation to claim.
Keep exploring
Related services.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
DEXA is available with our other women’s-health and preventive imaging, read under one roof and reported to your physician.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
Looking for another service? Back to For Patients.