DEXA Diagnostics
Dexa Diagnostics is a mobile bone mineral analysis service that was established to provide bone density measurement
at regional locations. Our high tech unit is equipped with a state-of-the-art DEXA Densitometer and operated by
certified, specially trained technologists. This technology will provide a safe and precise bone mineral analysis
at your hospital, office or clinic.
What is DEXA?
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is the most accurate and advanced test available for measuring bone mass with excellent resolution and reproducible precision. Mineral radiation (less than 1/20 of a chest x-ray) is used to determine the bone density of the spine, hip or wrist. A DEXA test is more sensitive than ordinary x-rays, more accurate than radiograms (radiographic absorptiometry) and can diagnose bone loss at an earlier stage. Safe and painless, the 10 minute DEXA scan is the most reliable test to determine even the earliest stages of bone loss associated with osteoporosis.What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle, less dense
and considerably more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis affects more than 20 million women and 5 million men
in this country, primarily over the age of 50. A woman's risk of an osteoporosis related injury, such as a
hip fracture, is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Not to be
taken lightly, studies have proven that up to 20% of women who suffer a hip fracture will die within one
year of the fracture.*
Until recently, osteoporosis was often undiagnosed, progressing silently over the years, until a fracture occurred. With the development of DEXA, early diagnosis is possible and fractures associated with this disease can be prevented. It is apparent that early diagnosis, therapeutic interventions and use of bone density testing to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis have enabled physicians with technology and treatment options that were unavailable in the past. We now have the tools to not only identify, but to overcome osteoporosis.
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
In the years following menopause, women will naturally experience bone loss because of a decrease in estrogen. Most will have no symptoms, even while the disease progresses. These factors add to your risk of developing osteoporosis.- Age
- Caucasian or Asian Descent
- Thin or Small Build
- Previous Fracture
- Family History of Osteoporosis
- Early Menopause
- Smoking
- Inactive Lifestyle
- Certain Medications (including steroids & thyroid hormones)
- Alcohol Abuse
- Inadequate Calcium Intake
Why Physicians Request an Exam:
- To determine your actual bone density and fracture risk
- To reveal early signs of bone loss with the fewest false positive or false negative results
- To diagnose low bone mass that may signal the need for treatment
Testing
- Wear comfortable clothing such as a sweat suit - no metal zippers, buttons or buckles.
- Typical DEXA exams are completely painless and only take 10 minutes to perform.
A brief history is required which may include:
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Radiographic findings of osteoporosis
- Recent fractures
- Post menopause or early menopause
- Restrictions
- Scheduled less than 5 days after Barium procedures
- Undergoing radioactive iodine thyroid therapy
- Weight is over 270 lbs.
- Non-Ambulatory
Staff
All DEXA Diagnostic technologists are highly skilled professionals who are certified in the field of radiology and receive continuous training in bone mineral analysis. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have about your examination.2003 Mobile Unit Equipped With the Latest in Osteoporosis Diagnosis & Monitoring
DEXA Diagnostics is extremely pleased to announce the acquisition of a custom built 2003 mobile unit, which will house a new 4th generation "LUNAR DPX Pro" bone densitometer for diagnosis and monitoring of Osteoporosis. True to the history of Fort Wayne Radiology, we continue to provide the very best, most advanced technology and diagnostic imaging services to Northeast Indiana and Southwest Ohio.Through the vision and efforts of Dr. Mike Kinzer, DEXA Diagnostics was created in 1997 to serve the needs of our surrounding communities in early detection and treatment of Osteoporosis. Over the past 5 years we have maintained a commitment to keep our DEXA technology current through installing every upgrade offered. On a routine scheduled basis, community hospitals, multi specialty clinics and private physician offices have taken advantage of this service and have been able to provide their patients with state-of-the-art DEXA scanning by a highly skilled Registered Technologist, dedicated to only performing DEXA exams. In addition, mobile DEXA may be performed at State facilities, Community Health Fairs, Industry, Nursing Homes, Church and Social Organization functions on an "As Available" basis. Our new unit can operate anywhere and is 100% self-contained. Complete with a specialized leveling system and a "whisper quiet" on board electric generator, it has the ability to run the entire scanning unit in addition to powering the comforts of superior stereo and climate control systems.
Our extensive experience in providing DEXA services has taught us that beyond purchasing a superior scanner, the technologist accuracy and reproducibility are key components to producing optimum patient results. To achieve this, maintaining a relatively high and constant patient volume is required. For the majority of facilities that wish to provide in-house DEXA scanning, available room space, qualified personnel and equipment expense are only a few considerations. However, yielding accurate test results must be the premiere consideration. Quality can easily fall short in facilities with low patient volume, which results from a wide variety of unfamiliar technical errors. The same mistakes are very easy to repeat over and over again. Its obvious that the accuracy and quality of results from a service (and technologist) that has performed 20+ exams per day for many years, will easily supercede those of one who only performs 3 or 4 exams per day. The "quality issue" is exceptionally critical to referring physicians who must compare previous and current exams to determine a course of treatment or to monitor a medication for the progression/regression of osteopenia or osteoporosis disease. The accuracy and reproducibility of the baseline DEXA exam is just as critical as every follow up, they must be performed and processed the same way. There really is no substitute for high volume experience. To contact DEXA Diagnostics, please call 260-414-4352 or 1-800-587-3392.
When mass screening for Osteoporosis is needed, Fort Wayne Radiology offers the world recognized screening Gold Standard: "PIXI" (Peripheral DEXA), which utilizes true DEXA technology to accurately acquire the bone mineral density from the os calsis (heel). Our staff has performed well in excess of 10,000 PIXI exams and has determined an excellent outcome correlation to the results from hip and spine (axial) DEXA. Karen Rothermund coordinates the PIXI programs and may be reached by calling 260-471-9466. With two new PIXI devices and an expert staff, your needs will be well cared for.
* Osteoporosis, the Staggering Statistics: Vogt MT. Risk factors for osteoporosis fractures in elderly women. Clin Geriatr. May 1996, 4:79-93
For scheduling information, call: 1-800-587-DEXA(3392) or Call one of our DEXA Diagnostics locations