DXA Scan

Adventist Health Castle is pleased to offer DXA scanning to measure both bone mineral density and body composition. DXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, a scanning technology that uses low-dose X-rays.

DXA scanning for bone mineral density

When used to test bone mineral density, DXA scanning checks for signs of mineral loss and bone thinning. The areas X-rayed are usually the hip, hand, spine or foot. The most accurate results are given when testing is performed on the spine and hip.

A bone density exam delivers about one-quarter to one-tenth the radiation that occurs during an ordinary chest X-ray. It’s a simple, painless and noninvasive process that takes only about 15 minutes.

Who takes the test?

Generally, DXA scanning for bone mineral density is recommended for:

• All women age 65 and older and all men 70 and older, even without symptoms
• Women younger than 65 who have additional risk for osteoporosis, such as:
  • Estrogen deficiency
  • A history of maternal hip fracture that occurred after the age of 50
  • Low body mass (less than 127 pounds)
  • A history of amenorrhea (no menstrual periods) for more than one year before age 42

• Individuals with medical conditions that could alter bone mineral density, such as:
  • Conditions associated with secondary osteoporosis, including gastrointestinal malabsorption or malnutrition, sprue, osteomalacia, vitamin D deficiency, endometriosis, acromegaly, chronic alcoholism or established cirrhosis, and multiple myeloma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases
  • Gastric bypass for obesity
  • Prolonged immobilization
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
  • A transplanted organ

DXA scanning for body composition

Body composition measurements made with a DXA scan can, with accuracy and precision, look beyond weight and traditional body mass index (BMI) to determine and monitor how much of your body is fat, bone and lean muscle. Body composition DXA exams can provide useful regional and total body information to healthcare professionals in their management of conditions in which the condition itself or its treatment can affect the relative amounts of fat and lean tissue.

Who takes the test?

DXA scanning for body composition may be recommended for:

• Obesity and weight management
• Diet and exercise regimens
• Athletes

It may also be recommended for those with:

• Anorexia nervosa
• HIV/AIDS
• Chronic renal failure
• Cystic fibrosis

Brochures

If you are interested in having a total body composition or bone density test and you do not have a physician order, you may find it useful to read one of our informational brochures before you speak with your doctor about what is right for you.

• Bone Densitometer (DXA for Bone Density) Fact Sheet
• My Body Composition Test
• DXA Scan Preparation Guidelines and FAQs

How can I schedule my appointment?

Once you have an order from your physician, you can schedule an appointment by calling (808) 263-5166 and then pressing 1.

If you are interested in having a total body composition or bone density test and you do not have a physician order, you may find it useful to read one of the informational brochures linked to above before you speak with your doctor about what is right for you.

How will I get my results?

With the exception of total body composition tests, your results will be forwarded to your ordering physician. Total body composition results will be provided to you on the same day as service.

You can also access all results through MyAdventistHealth.

Location and Hours

Imaging Services
Adventist Health Castle
640 ‘Ulukahiki Street
Kailua, HI 96734

Phone: (808) 263-5166
Hours: Monday to Friday. (Hours vary. Please call for an appointment.)