Dual X-ray Absorptiometry

**Semantic type:** Diagnostic Procedure

**Definition:** A technique for scanning bone and measuring bone mineral density (BMD). A DXA scanner produces 2 X-ray beams, each with different energy levels. One beam is high energy while the other is low energy. The amount of x-rays that pass through the bone is measured for each beam. This will vary depending on the thickness of the bone. Based on the difference between the 2 beams, the bone density can be measured.

**Synonyms:** - BMD scan - DEXA - DEXA - DEXA (Bone Density) - DEXA Scan - DEXA scan - DXA - DXA - DXA SCAN - Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry - Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry - Dual X-Ray Absorptometry - bone mineral density scan - dual energy x-ray absorptiometric scan - dual x-ray absorptiometry