Bone Density Lab and Patient Information

Metabolic bone disorders, like osteoporosis, are characterized by a loss of minerals and strength. The Bone Density Lab at OHSU uses a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to measure the mineral density of your bones.

A DEXA (bone density) scan can give you and your doctor important information for diagnosing, treating and monitoring osteoporosis and other metabolic bone conditions.

To schedule a DEXA scan, call 503-494-4814.

When to delay your DEXA scan

You should not get a DEXA scan if there is any chance you could be pregnant.

You should also delay your scan if you are unable to lie flat or if you have had any of these tests in the past 10 days:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get a DEXA?

Our DEXA clinics scan infants, children and adults. You must have a referral from your doctor to schedule a DEXA scan. 

You should not get a DEXA scan if there is any chance you could be pregnant.

How should I prepare for my DEXA scan?

  • Complete the Bone Density Survey in MyChart before your appointment.
  • Don’t take calcium on the day of your appointment.
  • Wear loose clothing with no zippers, snaps, buckles, reflective material or other metal parts. Wear undergarments without wires. These items can cause errors in your DEXA scan. We can provide a gown.
  • Remove jewelry, metal objects and body piercings over your spine, hips and arms.
  • Leave jewelry and other valuable items at home.

What happens during a DEXA scan?

The DEXA test is painless. You lie on a table while the machine scans your spine, hip or other sites. Your visit takes about 20 minutes.  

A bone density measurement of your forearm may be necessary. For this scan, you sit in a chair while the machine scans your forearm. This takes about 5 minutes.

How does a DEXA scan work?

The DEXA machine uses a small amount of X-ray to measure the amount of mineral in the bones. It provides information that is different from regular X-rays, which show the shape and structure of bones. 

The amount of X-ray you are exposed to is the same as one day of natural background exposure, or about the same amount of radiation you might be exposed to during a cross-country plane trip.

Does medical insurance cover the cost of a DEXA scan?

Most medical insurance companies provide coverage for this procedure, but coverage is not limited to osteoporosis. Contact your insurance company to confirm you are covered for CPT 77080, which is the procedure code for a DEXA scan.

What happens after the scan?

A specialist will review your test results and send them to your doctor, who will give you the results.

Schedule a DEXA scan

Call 503-494-4814 to make an appointment.

A referral from your provider is required to schedule.

Locations

OHSU Rehabilitation Clinic, South Waterfront
Center for Health & Healing, Building 1, first floor
3303 S Bond Avenue
Portland, OR 97239

OHSU Center for Women’s Health, Marquam Hill
Peter O. Kohler Pavilion, seventh floor
808 SW Campus Drive
Portland, OR 97239

Free parking for patients and visitors