Looking for a DEXA scan North Sydney? If you're preparing for your first DEXA scan, one of the first questions you may have is whether it is safe and how much radiation it uses. DEXA uses a very low dose of ionising radiation to measure body composition, including fat mass, lean mass and skeletal mass.
Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
Yes. A DEXA scan uses a small amount of ionising radiation to measure body composition, including fat mass, lean mass, and bone mass. The radiation dose is very low compared with many other medical imaging procedures.While no exposure to ionising radiation can be described as zero risk, the dose from a DEXA scan is extremely low and considered safe for most people when used appropriately.
How much radiation is in DEXA scan?
The radiation dose from a DEXA scan is typically around 0.001-0.01 mSv, although this can vary depending on the equipment and the type of scan.For context, the average natural background radiation exposure in Australia is about 1.7 mSv per year.
Why does DEXA use Radiation?
DEXA uses two low-energy X-ray beams at different energies to measure how your body absorbs the X-rays. This allows the scan to distinguish between bone mass, lean mass and fat mass, providing a detailed and accurate picture of your body composition.
Preparing for your first DEXA Scan near North Sydney
A few simple steps can help ensure you get the most accurate and comparable results from your scan.
Wear comfortable clothing
Avoid clothing with metal such as zippers or buttons.
Avoid strenuous exercise
Try to avoid intense exercise 24 hours before your scan.
Stay hydrated and eat normally
Keep to your usual food and hydration routine.
Remove jewelry and metal items
This includes watches, belts and large accessories.
Be consistent for future scans
Similar preparation helps improve the comparability of results over time.
What happens during your DEXA Scan?
- You'll lie on a padded scanning table.
- The scanner arm passes over your body.
- The scan is painless and quick (usually 5-10 minutes).
- There's no enclosed tunnel or injections.
- You can return to your normal activities immediately afterwards.
How often can you have a DEXA Scan?
DEXA scans can be repeated safely. Many people choose to have a follow-up scan every 6-8 weeks to track meaningful changes in body composition. This timeframe allows enough time for real changes to occur, rather than small day-to-day fluctuations.
6-8 WEEKS
A common time frame for progress scans.
Your First Scan is your Baseline
Your first DEXA scan provides a detailed snapshot of your current body composition. Future scans allow you to see how your fat mass, lean mass and bone mass change over time, helping you track progress and make more informed decisions about your health and fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DEXA scan safe?
DEXA uses a very low dose of ionising radiation. The amount is much lower than many other medical imaging procedures.
How much radiation is in a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan typically involves approximately 0.001–0.01 mSv, although the exact dose can vary depending on the equipment and type of scan.
Where can I get a DEXA scan near North Sydney?
Body Measure provides DEXA body composition scans in St Leonards, conveniently located for people travelling from North Sydney and surrounding Lower North Shore suburbs.
How long does a DEXA scan take?
At Body Measure, the DEXA scan itself takes approximately 6 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day.
Can I combine my DEXA scan with other tests?
Yes. At Body Measure, DEXA can be paired with other assessments such as Metabolic Testing and Bone Mineral Density testing, depending on what you want to understand about your body.
Looking for a DEXA Scan Near North Sydney?
Get a detailed picture of your body composition at Body Measure in St Leonards.
