DEXA Bone Scan in Dubai

A DEXA scan typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The entire visit, including check in, usually lasts less than 30 minutes. The actual scanning time is just a few minutes for each area being measured, typically the spine and hip. At our Dubai Healthcare City facility, our certified DEXA technologists work efficiently to minimize your time while ensuring accurate measurements.

Preparation is simple for your DEXA scan in Dubai. Avoid taking calcium supplements for 24-hours before your scan, as they can interfere with bone density measurements. Wear comfortable clothes without metal zippers or buttons. You do not need to fast, and you can eat and drink normally. When you book your DEXA scan at our Dubai Healthcare City facility, we will provide specific preparation instructions if needed.

Most patients need a DEXA scan every 2 to 3 years for routine monitoring of bone health. If you are undergoing osteoporosis treatment, your doctor may recommend an annual DEXA scan to monitor treatment effectiveness and track bone density changes. Your physician will determine the appropriate follow up schedule based on your individual bone health status and risk factors.

Yes, a DEXA scan is considered very safe because it uses extremely low-dose radiation, approximately 1 to 3 microsieverts, which is less than 3% of a standard chest X-ray. This minimal radiation exposure makes DEXA scans safe for repeated monitoring when medically necessary. The benefits of accurate bone health assessment far outweigh the minimal radiation risk.

Medical guidelines recommend DEXA scans for women aged 65 and older and men aged 70 and older. Younger postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors such as smoking, low body weight, family history of osteoporosis, or early menopause should also be screened. Adults with a history of fractures, long-term steroid use, or medical conditions affecting bone health may also benefit from DEXA scanning at our Dubai Healthcare City facility.

A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density, or BMD, in the spine and hip, which are the most common-sites for osteoporosis assessment. It produces T-scores, which compare your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old adult to diagnose osteoporosis, and Z-scores, which compare your bone density to people of your own age and body size. These scores help guide personalized treatment decisions.

DEXA scans are generally not performed on pregnant women to avoid any radiation exposure to the fetus, even though the radiation dose is extremely low. Always inform our team if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant before scheduling your DEXA scan in Dubai. Your doctor will determine if the diagnostic benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Expert subspecialty radiologist interpretation and detailed diagnostic report with T-scores and Z-scores are typically available within 18 to 24 hours of your DEXA scan at our Dubai Healthcare City facility. Same-day reporting is available for urgent cases. Your referring physician receives the report directly, and you can also access your results through our secure patient portal.

Most major insurance plans in Dubai cover DEXA scans when medically indicated with a physician referral. We accept direct billing from over 20 major insurance providers including Daman, AXA, MetLife, ADNIC, and others at our Dubai Healthcare City facility. Contact us to verify your insurance coverage or get a personalized quote based on your specific diagnostic requirements.

A T-score compares your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old adult of the same sex to diagnose osteoporosis. A T-score of -1.0 or higher is normal, -1.0 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia, and -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis. A Z-score compares your bone density to people of your own age, sex, and body size, helping identify if bone loss is age-appropriate or accelerated.

DEXA scan cost in Dubai varies based on scan type such as spine and hip bone density, full body composition, or follow up monitoring scans, and your insurance coverage. Self pay rates at our Dubai Healthcare City facility are competitive and transparent with no hidden fees. Contact us to verify your insurance coverage or get a personalized quote based on your specific diagnostic requirements.

A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density to check for osteoporosis and assess fracture risk using very low-dose X-ray technology. A nuclear medicine bone scan, also called a bone scintigraphy, looks for infections, fractures, tumors, or bone metastases using a radioactive tracer injected into your bloodstream. These are completely different tests used for different diagnostic purposes.

Yes, a physician referral is typically required for DEXA scans in Dubai, especially for insurance coverage. Most insurance providers require a referral from a licensed doctor to authorize the procedure. If you are paying out-of-pocket, you can book a consultation with our general practitioners at DCDC to get a referral. We can often schedule both the consultation and DEXA scan on the same day for your convenience.

Same-day DEXA scan appointments are available at our Dubai Healthcare City facility, but same-day slots fill fast due to limited daily DEXA capacity. We recommend booking early in the day to secure your preferred time slot. Urgent cases are prioritized to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Contact us as soon as possible to check availability and book your same-day DEXA scan appointment.