Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Dexa Techniques

DEXA techniques are one method for analyzing X-rays.


Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, better known as DEXA techniques, can be used for a wide variety of tests. Doctors often use the DEXA techniques for measuring bone density, as these are considered some of the best tests for getting accurate and valuable information about bone density. DEXA tests remain popular for use in clinical studies.


Dual X-Rays


Patients undergoing DEXA procedures will be exposed to X-rays at two different energy levels, which is how this particular brand of tests can see so much compared to many other X-ray procedures. This gives the DEXA test results the unusual ability to look at both bone density as well as soft tissue makeup. This is part of what makes the DEXA tests so valuable: They can give information on more than one part of the body and provide useful information to doctors or individuals studying clinical trials.


DEXA for Bone Density


The dual energy level of the X-rays used in a DEXA technique allows individuals to see the mineral content and thickness of the bones of the person undergoing the X-rays. Because of the detail of information provided by DEXA, these techniques are often the preferred method used in large clinical trials and to attempt to determine fracture risk. In particular, DEXA is credited by many specialists as being the best techniques available for determining the danger of a hip fracture.


DEXA for Tissue Damage


Beyond studying bone mass, DEXA techniques can be used for determining tissue damage or makeup. These X-rays can determine actual tissue composition in defined areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, torso, or other regions. However, DEXA techniques can only examine the tissue in detail in areas where no bone is present. The ability to tell apart lean muscle tissue from fatty tissue deposits offers a variety of uses to doctors and specialists.







Tags: DEXA techniques, bone density, clinical trials, DEXA techniques used, DEXA tests, techniques used