Bone Density Scan (Densitometry / DEXA)

Bone densitometry at SPEA Olomouc measures bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to identify osteoporosis and quantify fracture risk. The clinic applies the validated FRAX questionnaire alongside the scan result to calculate the ten-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture, giving a clinically actionable picture rather than a raw density number. The service is particularly suited to women 60 and older, men 70 and older, and younger adults whose FRAX score or clinical history indicates elevated risk. Appointments are booked by calling the department directly.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the clinical reference standard for measuring bone mineral density — the technology used in all major osteoporosis guidelines worldwide to diagnose osteoporosis (T-score ≤ −2.5) and osteopenia (T-score between −1.0 and −2.5). A DEXA scanner passes two low-dose X-ray beams at different energy levels through the body; the degree of absorption by bone versus soft tissue gives a precise measurement of bone mineral content per unit area. Radiation exposure is low — substantially less than a standard chest X-ray. At SPEA Olomouc, the bone densitometry service integrates the scan result with the FRAX risk tool (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool), developed by the World Health Organisation. FRAX uses the BMD result alongside clinical risk factors — age, sex, body mass index, prior fracture history, parental hip fracture history, corticosteroid use, smoking, alcohol consumption, rheumatoid arthritis, and secondary osteoporosis causes — to calculate an individual's ten-year probability of a hip fracture and a major osteoporotic fracture (hip, spine, forearm, or humerus). This combined result is more clinically useful than BMD alone, because some patients with low-normal bone density may have a high fracture risk due to falls, medication use, or underlying conditions, while others with osteoporosis by T-score may have a low absolute fracture risk. The service is covered by Czech public health insurance for women aged 60 and older and men aged 70 and older as a preventive screening examination. Women aged 50 to 59 (within one year of menopause) and men aged 65 to 69 are covered if their FRAX questionnaire indicates elevated risk before the scan is ordered. Patients outside these criteria — including younger adults with corticosteroid use, inflammatory arthritis, malabsorption conditions, or prior osteoporotic fracture — can access the service on a self-pay or insurance-appeal basis. For international patients visiting Olomouc, densitometry at SPEA offers the opportunity to obtain a FRAX-integrated baseline measurement in a fully accredited medical facility. Patients with a prior DEXA result from another country can bring it for comparison; the radiologist team can comment on changes relative to a previous T-score. Results are provided in writing. The appointment requires no preparation — no fasting, no topical removal, no dietary restriction — and the scan itself takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Booking is via the direct department line (+420 585 505 454), which is staffed Monday to Thursday from 7:30 to 15:30.