How do I prepare for my DEXA Scan?

  • For at least 24 hours before your exam, do not take calcium supplements or other medications high in calcium, such as antacids.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that has no metal zippers or buttons in the abdominal or pelvic areas. If you do not have clothing without metal components, we may ask you to change into scrubs. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.
  • Be sure to inform your technologist of you have had a barium examination recently, or if you have recently had a contrast material injection for a CT or nuclear medicine study.
  • If you believe you may be pregnant, be sure to tell your technologist.