Bone Density Scan (DXA Densitometry)

G-CENTRUM Olomouc's bone density service uses the LUNAR PRODIGY Primo DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) densitometer to measure bone mineral density with radiation exposure approximately 15 times lower than a conventional chest X-ray. The 20-minute scan assesses the hip and lumbar spine — the two sites most predictive of fracture risk — and generates a printed T-score report interpreted by the clinic's specialist. The service is positioned as a preventive screening tool for women over 50, post-menopausal women, and those with osteoporosis risk factors including family history of fractures, low BMI, corticosteroid use, or height loss.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold-standard method for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and is the primary tool for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis. G-CENTRUM Olomouc operates the LUNAR PRODIGY Primo, a GE Healthcare DXA platform widely used in clinical research and specialist osteoporosis centres across Europe. The scan works by passing two low-energy X-ray beams of different energy levels through the body. Because bone, muscle, and fat absorb these beams differently, the system can calculate BMD precisely at the sites most vulnerable to fracture — typically the femoral neck (hip) and L1–L4 lumbar spine. Total scan time is approximately 20 minutes; the patient lies still on the scanning table while the detector arm passes overhead. Radiation exposure is extremely low — approximately 1–10 μSv per scan, compared to 50–70 μSv for a conventional chest X-ray. No preparation is required: no fasting, no contrast injection, no special clothing beyond removing metal objects. Results are expressed as T-scores (deviation from peak young-adult BMD) and Z-scores (age-matched comparison). A T-score above -1.0 is normal; -1.0 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia; below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis. The attending physician at G-CENTRUM reviews the results and discusses implications, including fracture risk assessment and whether treatment or monitoring is warranted. Who should consider bone density scanning at G-CENTRUM: women over 50 (especially post-menopausal), women with a family history of hip fracture, low body weight (BMI under 20), prolonged corticosteroid use, smoking history, height loss of more than 3 cm, or previous low-trauma fracture. Participants enrolled in the clinic's VIP osteoporosis prevention programme access the scan at a discounted rate of 250 Kč.