Bone Mineral Densitometry (DEXA) Scan

Painless, low-radiation DEXA bone density scan to assess fracture risk and screen for osteoporosis. A mechanical arm passes gently over the body in 10–15 minutes, providing a T-score and Z-score to guide bone health management.

The Bone Mineral Densitometry (DEXA) scan at Premier Health Screening Centre is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic test that measures bone density and assesses an individual's risk of fractures and osteoporosis. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for bone health evaluation and is recommended for post-menopausal women, men over 70, individuals on long-term corticosteroids, and anyone with a family history of osteoporosis or prior fragility fractures. During the scan, the patient lies comfortably on a padded examination couch while a mechanical arm passes slowly over the body, typically focusing on the lumbar spine and hip — the most fracture-prone sites. The procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes and uses minimal radiation, far less than a standard chest X-ray, making it safe for regular monitoring. The DEXA scan produces a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult, and a Z-score, which compares it to age-matched peers. A T-score of −2.5 or below confirms osteoporosis; scores between −1.0 and −2.5 indicate osteopenia (low bone mass), signalling early intervention opportunity. Results are reviewed by Dr Tan Winnie in a post-scan consultation, where findings are explained in context of your overall health profile. Recommendations may include dietary calcium and vitamin D optimisation, weight-bearing exercise programmes, fall prevention strategies, or pharmacological management with bisphosphonates or other bone-protective agents. The DEXA scan is included as a core component of the Osteoporosis Screening Package at Premier Health Screening Centre and can also be booked as a standalone investigation for those with specific bone health concerns.