Leading Diagnostic Centre Offering Best DEXA Scan in Kolkata Near You
A DEXA scan or bone mass density (BMD) test is a quick and painless way to check individual bone health. In many ways, it is similar to a regular X-ray but offers the additional capability of measuring the bone strength and mineral contents rather than merely taking pictures as in a conventional X-ray. DEXA is abbreviated for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
A BMD DEXA scan in Kolkata won’t require hospitalization and can be performed at a diagnostic centre. You can wear your regular clothes when undergoing the test and won’t require any special precautions. This test is commonly used for the following purposes:
To measure the natural amount of bone loss with aging and track the same over time
Evaluating bone density before an individual starts a treatment or medication that can potentially weaken bones as an adverse side effect
Diagnosing osteoporosis or osteopenia and assessing bone fracture risk
Checking bone response to ongoing treatment for osteopenia or osteoporosis
What to Expect During A DEXA Scan Kolkata
The procedure followed by DEXA scan centres in Kolkata is pretty much the same, and it works as follows:
You will be asked to lie down on a special X-ray table.
A technician will ensure you are positioned correctly. Supports may be placed against your legs to hold them still and in the proper position.
A scanning arm is passed over the body to take pictures of the bones. While the spine and hips are commonly scanned, other parts of the body, such as the forearms, may also be covered in the procedure.
In a bone density scanner, two types of low-level radiations are used to generate graphs and pictures representing your bone density. The bones appear as white masses, while the others are represented as dark shadows in the background.
You can follow your daily routine before appearing for a DEXA scan in Kolkata and return to your normal life once the scan is done. Unless your doctor specifies, you can also take your regular medications. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes when visiting the diagnostic centre for the test. Avoid having any metals or valuables in your possession.
You should avoid certain over-the-counter vitamins and calcium supplements before the test. Also, if you have undergone a different imaging test, your doctor may advise waiting 24 hours before you take the DEXA scan.
Common Challenges Encountered with A DEXA Scan
Some of the challenges patients usually encounter when undergoing a DEXA scan include:
Accurate measurement of muscles and fat content can be difficult.
Finding reference points for accurate instrument calibration in different scenarios can be challenging as a relatively new scanning procedure.
On average, the scan can underestimate as much as 5kg of whole-body fat mass, which can lead to wrong diagnosis and treatment plans in some instances.
Though minimal, a DEXA scan carries a probability of future cancer occurrences similar to that observed for conventional X-rays.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for A DEXA Scan
Not everyone needs to undergo a DEXA scan, and a normal X-ray is usually sufficient for measuring bone density. However, you may have to take this test if:
You are a female older than 65 or a male older than 70.
You are at least 50 years old and have previously experienced a bone fracture.
Your biological parents or grandparents have a history of osteoporosis.
You have undergone sudden height loss by around a couple of inches from your maximum recorded height.
The average DEXA scan cost in Kolkata starts at ₹3,500 and can go as high as ₹7,000, depending on various factors such as the quality of infrastructure at the service provider, brand reputation, and location.
Why Choose Medstar for DEXA Scan in Kolkata
Medstar Kolkata is one of the leading diagnostic service providers in the city, where you can get accurate scans at affordable rates. We have the latest infrastructure and equipment, along with highly trained staff, to provide a comfortable experience for each patient. We provide individual attention, highlighting our patient-centric approach to serving our customers.
Our competitive DEXA scan cost in Kolkata without any compromise on quality makes us one of the most accessible service providers in the region.
Call us at +91-33-2283-7407 or WhatsApp at +91-90514-95415 to learn more about our service or to book an appointment. You can also email shakespearesarani@medstarclinics.co.in with your queries or talk to an expert on +91-90514-95416 / +91-90514-95414.
