Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

Zavis

Does a radiology perform a DEXA scan?

Equipment and setting used in DEXA Scan
Illustration: Equipment and setting used in DEXA Scan

Short answer

Yes, a radiology or medical imaging service commonly performs a DEXA scan, with a trained team measuring bone mineral density and reporting the findings.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Also called
Bone density scan or bone densitometry.
Common sites
The hip and lower spine are often assessed.

What this means

DEXA, also called bone densitometry, is a low-dose imaging examination used to assess bone mineral density, commonly at the hip and lower spine. You remain still while the scanner passes over the selected areas. The scan itself does not require an injection, and the imaging team guides you through positioning.

The report is interpreted alongside your age, medical history, medicines, fracture history, and other risk factors. A result is not a complete assessment of bone health by itself. Tell the service if you may be pregnant, recently had another examination involving contrast, or take supplements or medicines that the centre asked you to discuss.

What to do before your appointment

Wear clothing without metal when possible and follow the centre's preparation instructions. Ask whether calcium supplements or other medicines need temporary adjustment; do not stop prescribed treatment without specific advice. Confirm which body sites will be scanned and how the report will reach your doctor.

When to seek care

A DEXA scan is usually scheduled rather than urgent. Contact the requesting clinician promptly if you have new severe bone pain, a suspected fracture, sudden loss of movement, or an injury that makes weight-bearing difficult; the scan may not be the right immediate test for those problems.

Questions for your doctor

Ask: What is the scan intended to clarify? Which sites will be measured? How should I prepare? When will the report be available? How will the result affect my exercise, nutrition, monitoring, or treatment plan?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Does radiology interpret a DEXA scan?

A radiologist or another appropriately trained clinician may interpret the study, depending on the service.

Is a DEXA scan an X-ray?

It uses X-ray technology with a low radiation dose to estimate bone mineral density.

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.