Safety Information

Last Updated: August 2025

Safety Information Overview

Desert Dexa Inc. is committed to providing safe, accurate DEXA scanning services and evidence-based telehealth programs. This page provides important safety information about both our DEXA scanning services and telehealth medications.

Understanding DEXA Technology

DEXA scanning uses two low-energy X-ray beams to measure bone density and body composition. The technology is:

• Non-invasive and painless
• Quick (typically 10-15 minutes)
• Highly accurate and reproducible
• FDA-approved for clinical use

Radiation Exposure

DEXA scans use an extremely low dose of radiation - significantly lower than most medical X-ray procedures. The radiation exposure is minimal and considered safe for regular monitoring.

Important Safety Contraindications

Pre-Scan Safety Checklist

Before your scan, our staff will review the following with you:

• Pregnancy status (all women of childbearing age)
• Recent medical imaging procedures
• Presence of metal implants or prosthetics
• Current medications
• Medical conditions that may affect the scan

Metal Objects and Implants

While metal implants are generally safe for DEXA scanning, they may affect the accuracy of results in that area. Please inform our staff if you have:

• Hip or knee replacements
• Spinal fusion hardware
• Metal rods or pins
• Pacemakers or defibrillators (safe but should be noted)

Please remove all removable metal objects before your scan, including jewelry, belts, and clothing with metal fasteners.

Telehealth Medication Safety Information

Most Serious Risks

Thyroid Tumors

MOST SERIOUS WARNING: In studies with rodents, GLP-1 medications caused thyroid tumors. It is not known if these medications will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.

Symptoms of thyroid tumors may include:

• A lump in your neck
• Hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing
• Shortness of breath

Tell your healthcare provider if you get any of these symptoms. Stop using GLP-1 medication and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of a thyroid tumor.

Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas)

GLP-1 medications may cause pancreatitis, which may be severe and lead to death.

Stop using medication and call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

• Severe pain in your stomach area that will not go away
• Pain that moves from your stomach to your back
• Pain with or without vomiting

Other Serious Side Effects

Gallbladder Problems

GLP-1 medications may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems need surgery.

Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as:

• Pain in your upper stomach (abdomen)
• Fever
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Clay-colored stools

Kidney Problems

In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Stop using medication and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Problems breathing or swallowing
• Severe rash or itching
• Fainting or feeling dizzy
• Very rapid heartbeat

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Feeling bloated
• Belching
• Gas
• Stomach flu
• Heartburn
• Injection site reactions

Important Drug Interactions

GLP-1 medications may affect how your stomach empties, which can affect how other medicines work. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, especially:

• Diabetes medicines, especially insulin and medicines that can cause low blood sugar
• Medicines taken by mouth
• Birth control pills
• Blood thinners

Before Taking GLP-1 Medications

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
• Have a history of diabetic retinopathy
• Have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Are taking any medicines
• Have any other medical conditions

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It is not known if GLP-1 medications will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. You should stop using these medications at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.

DEXA Scanning Special Populations

Children and Adolescents

DEXA scanning is generally safe for children when medically indicated. Minors must have written parental consent and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Elderly Patients

DEXA scanning is particularly valuable for elderly patients to assess bone density and fracture risk. Special care is taken to ensure comfort and safety during positioning.

Patients with Disabilities

We strive to accommodate all patients. Please inform us of any special needs or accommodations required when scheduling your appointment.

Scan Frequency Guidelines

While DEXA scans are very safe, we recommend the following frequency guidelines:

• Body Composition: Can be performed monthly for those actively tracking fitness progress
• Bone Density: As appropriate for individual health needs
• Maximum Frequency: No more than once per month unless medically indicated

Post-Scan Information

After your DEXA scan:

• There are no restrictions on activities
• You can eat and drink normally
• There are no side effects
• Results are available immediately

Understanding Your Results

Important: DEXA scan results should be interpreted in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Our staff can explain what the measurements mean, but we cannot provide medical advice or diagnoses.

Quality Assurance and Equipment Safety

Desert Dexa maintains the highest standards of equipment safety:

• Daily quality control checks
• Regular calibration and maintenance
• Annual safety inspections
• Compliance with all state and federal regulations
• Trained and certified operators

Emergency Procedures

Although DEXA scanning is very safe, we maintain emergency procedures for:

• Medical emergencies during scanning
• Equipment malfunctions
• Patient discomfort or anxiety

Our staff is trained in basic life support and emergency response procedures.

Reporting Safety Concerns

If you experience any concerns or adverse events related to your DEXA scan, please contact us immediately:

Regulatory Compliance

Desert Dexa operates in compliance with:

• California Department of Public Health regulations
• FDA regulations for medical devices
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
• American College of Radiology guidelines

Additional Resources

For more information about DEXA scan safety, you may consult:

• International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD)
• RadiologyInfo.org (patient information from radiologic societies)
• National Osteoporosis Foundation
• Your personal healthcare provider

Informed Consent

By scheduling and receiving a DEXA scan at Desert Dexa, you acknowledge that you have been informed of the nature of the procedure, including the use of low-dose X-ray technology, and any associated risks. You will be asked to provide written consent before your scan.

Questions?

If you have any questions about DEXA scan safety or our procedures, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.