What Is a DEXA Scan?
The Gold Standard for Body Composition & Bone Health
How a DEXA Scan Works
DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. The scanner passes two low-energy x-ray beams through your body at different energy levels. Fat, muscle, and bone each absorb these beams differently, which is how the scanner can tell them apart with precision.
You Lie on a Padded Table
Fully clothed in athletic wear without metal. No injections, no fasting, no special prep. The table is open -- no enclosed tube like an MRI.
The Scanner Arm Passes Over You
A mechanical arm moves slowly from head to toe, taking measurements as it goes. You do not feel anything. The scan itself takes about 10-12 minutes.
You Get a Detailed Report
At Desert Dexa, your 10+ page clinical report covers body fat by region, lean mass, visceral fat, bone density -- all from a single 15-minute scan.
What a DEXA Scan Measures
A single DEXA scan can provide both body composition data and bone density data. Here is what you learn from each type.
Body Composition Scan
Body Fat Percentage
Your true body fat percentage -- not an estimate from a bathroom scale. DEXA measures fat tissue directly, which is why it is considered the gold standard in clinical research.
Lean Muscle Mass
Total lean tissue broken down by region: left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, and trunk. See exactly where you are building muscle and where you are not.
Visceral Fat
The fat packed around your organs that you cannot see or measure with a scale. Visceral fat is the single most important body composition metric for metabolic health -- it is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Regional Distribution
Fat and muscle mapped by body region. This is what makes DEXA unique -- you can see left-right imbalances, track where you are gaining or losing, and understand your body at a level no other test provides.
Bone Density Scan (Osteoporosis Screening)
T-Score
Compares your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old. Above -1.0 is normal. Between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass (osteopenia). Below -2.5 means osteoporosis. This is the number your doctor uses to assess your fracture risk.
Z-Score
Compares your bone density to others your same age and sex. Useful for understanding whether your bone loss is typical for your age or faster than expected.
Hip and Spine Density
The scan targets your lumbar spine (L1-L4) and both hips -- the areas most vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures. Hip fractures in particular can be life-altering, which is why early detection matters.
Radiologist Interpretation
At Desert Dexa, every osteoporosis screening includes a final interpretation by an independent board-certified radiologist. You get a clinical-grade report you can share with your doctor.
Learn more about each scan type: Body Composition Scan or Osteoporosis Screening.
A DEXA scan is a game changer for anyone serious about fitness, offering precise metrics that can guide nutrition and exercise strategies.
The gold standard for assessing bone health is DEXA. This important test can warn you before you break a bone.
DEXA vs Other Body Composition Methods
There are several ways to measure body composition. Here is how they compare.
| Method | Accuracy | What It Measures | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEXA | Gold standard (1-2% margin) | Body fat %, lean mass, visceral fat, bone density, regional breakdown | Requires a clinical scanner; low-dose radiation (very safe) |
| InBody / BIA Scales | Moderate (5-10% error) | Estimated body fat %, estimated lean mass | Affected by hydration, meals, exercise. No visceral fat, no bone density, no regional data. |
| BodPod | Good (3-5% error) | Body fat % and lean mass (whole body only) | No regional breakdown, no visceral fat, no bone density. Affected by body temperature and clothing. |
| Calipers (Skinfold) | Variable (depends on tester) | Estimated body fat % | Highly operator-dependent. Only measures subcutaneous fat at a few sites. No muscle, bone, or visceral data. |
| Hydrostatic Weighing | Good (2-3% error) | Body fat % and lean mass | Requires full submersion in water. No regional data, no visceral fat, no bone density. Uncomfortable for many people. |
The short version: if you want one test that gives you body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat, bone density, and regional distribution all at once -- DEXA is it. Everything else is a compromise on accuracy, detail, or both.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
People Tracking Fitness
If you are training regularly and want to know whether you are actually building muscle and losing fat -- not just moving the number on a scale -- DEXA gives you that answer with precision.
People Losing Weight
Weight loss does not always mean fat loss. Some people lose muscle along with fat, which hurts their metabolism long-term. DEXA shows you exactly what is changing.
Anyone Concerned About Visceral Fat
You can look lean and still have dangerous levels of visceral fat around your organs. DEXA is one of the few tests that can measure it accurately.
Women Approaching or In Menopause
Bone density can change significantly during and after menopause. A bone density scan gives you a clear picture of where you stand so you can take proactive steps with your doctor.
Men Over 50
Osteoporosis affects men too, and it's significantly under-screened. Knowing your bone density gives you a head start on maintaining bone health.
Anyone Who Wants a Baseline
You cannot track what you have never measured. A single DEXA scan gives you a complete snapshot of your body composition and bone health that makes all future scans more meaningful.
Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
Yes. DEXA uses an extremely low dose of radiation -- roughly 1-4 microsieverts per scan. To put that in perspective:
- A DEXA scan: ~1-4 microsieverts
- Eating 3 bananas: ~3 microsieverts
- A chest x-ray: ~20 microsieverts
- A cross-country flight: ~40 microsieverts
- A CT scan: ~7,000 microsieverts
DEXA is considered safe for routine, repeated use. The radiation exposure is negligible compared to everyday background radiation you receive from the environment. The only group who should not be scanned are women who are or may be pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions About DEXA Scans
Do I need to prepare before my DEXA scan?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take medications normally before your scan. DEXA technology is resilient and not affected by recent meals or hydration the way some other body composition methods are. Just avoid clothing with metal zippers or buttons — athletic wear works great.
What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA (or DXA) scan is a non-invasive test that measures body fat, muscle mass, and bone density using low-dose x-ray technology. It provides highly accurate and detailed information about body composition and bone health in one convenient session.
How long does the DEXA scan take?
The scan typically takes about 15 minutes. You'll receive a detailed breakdown of your body composition and/or bone density measurements.
How much does a scan cost?
Please visit our booking page for up-to-date pricing. Our DEXA scans are affordably priced and often less expensive than insurance copays or deductibles.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Just book online and come in. No referral, no prescription, no insurance approval needed.
Is the DEXA scan safe?
Yes, the DEXA scan uses an extremely low dose of x-ray radiation, comparable to the amount you'd receive from eating 3 bananas. It's considered very safe for most individuals.
What should I wear to my DEXA scan?
Wear comfortable clothing without metal, such as zippers or buttons, as metal objects might reduce accuracy of scan results. Sports bras are preferable for women. Activewear like yoga pants and a T-shirt are ideal.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
For body composition tracking, many clients scan every month to monitor changes from fitness and nutrition programs. For bone density monitoring, follow-up scans can be done as appropriate for your individual health needs.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance. Our DEXA scans are cash-pay services, and we only accept payment via credit and debit cards. Many clients find our pricing more affordable than insurance copays.
Why choose DEXA over other body composition methods?
We use clinical-grade DEXA — the gold standard for body composition testing. It provides significantly more accurate results than bathroom scales, calipers, or bioimpedance devices, measuring regional and total body fat, muscle mass, and bone density with precision.
Do DEXA scans measure visceral fat?
Yes! Our scans measure visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds your internal organs and is linked to metabolic diseases, heart disease, and other health problems.
Why should I get a bone density scan?
Bone density naturally changes over time, and most people don't know where they stand until they measure it. A DEXA bone density scan gives you a clear baseline and T-score so you and your doctor can make informed decisions about your bone health.
Does it matter where I get my DEXA scan?
Yes. DEXA accuracy depends on proper calibration and a stable scanning environment. Our scanners are fixed-site, clinical-grade systems — not mobile units transported in vans. A stable, properly calibrated machine means more reliable results, especially if you're tracking changes over time. We also offer both body composition analysis and clinical osteoporosis screening with independent radiologist interpretation — most providers only offer one or the other.
What does DEXA stand for?
Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. You may also see it written as DXA. It uses two low-energy x-ray beams at different energy levels to distinguish between fat, lean tissue, and bone in your body.
How much radiation does a DEXA scan use?
Very little. A DEXA scan exposes you to about 1-4 microsieverts of radiation -- roughly the same as eating 3-4 bananas or spending a couple hours outdoors. For comparison, a chest x-ray is about 20 microsieverts, and a CT scan can be 7,000 microsieverts or more.
Is a DEXA scan the same as a bone density test?
A DEXA scan can be used for bone density testing, but it can also measure body composition (body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat). At Desert Dexa, we offer both: a total body composition scan and an osteoporosis screening scan that focuses on the hips and spine.
How accurate is a DEXA scan compared to other methods?
DEXA is the clinical gold standard. Bioimpedance devices like InBody scales can be off by 5-10% depending on hydration and meal timing. Calipers depend on the skill of the person measuring. DEXA provides consistent, repeatable measurements that are trusted in research and clinical settings.
Does a DEXA scan hurt?
No. You lie on a padded table fully clothed while a scanner arm passes over you. There are no injections, no enclosed spaces, no discomfort. Most people say it is the easiest medical test they have ever had.
Who should get a DEXA scan?
Anyone who wants accurate data about their body composition or bone health. Common reasons include tracking a fitness program, monitoring weight loss, checking visceral fat, screening for osteoporosis, or simply establishing a health baseline.
What is the difference between a DEXA scan and an InBody scan?
InBody uses bioelectrical impedance -- it sends an electrical current through your body and estimates composition based on resistance. It is sensitive to hydration, recent meals, and exercise. DEXA uses x-ray technology and directly measures fat, lean tissue, and bone. DEXA is significantly more accurate and is the method used in clinical research.
Get Your DEXA Scan
Desert Dexa has two locations in Southern California -- Rancho Mirage (Coachella Valley) and San Dimas (San Gabriel Valley). No referral needed. Book online and come in.
Book Your DEXA ScanOur Locations
Rancho Mirage
Coachella Valley / Palm Springs
69848 Highway 111 Suite 7
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
San Dimas
San Gabriel Valley / Inland Empire
237 W Bonita Ave Suite B
San Dimas, CA 91773
Ready to See Your Numbers?
Book a DEXA scan at our Rancho Mirage or San Dimas location. No referral needed.
Want to learn more? Read our articles on body composition and bone health.