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Cardiolucent

Procedure

DXA scan

Diagnostics & Exams

A DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a low-dose imaging study that precisely measures bone density and body composition. Two low-intensity X-ray beams differentiate bone, fat, and lean tissue, generating exact numbers for bone mineral density, total and regional body fat, lean muscle mass, and — critically for cardiovascular care — the volume of visceral fat surrounding the abdominal organs. Visceral fat is the metabolically active fat that drives insulin resistance, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, and BMI alone misses it entirely. DXA provides a precise baseline and a way to objectively track whether lifestyle, training, or medication changes are actually shifting body composition — not just the scale.

What's Included

  • Bone mineral density at the hip and spine with T- and Z-scores
  • Total and regional body fat composition
  • Visceral fat quantification in grams
  • Lean muscle mass total and per region
  • Serial comparison with prior scans when available
  • Personal review of the full report with Dr. Kedan
  • Integration with cardiovascular and metabolic care plan

How It's Performed

DXA scanning is performed at a partner imaging center. You lie flat on a padded table while a low-intensity scanner arm passes slowly above you. You don't enter a tube, the table doesn't move much, and there's nothing to feel. The total appointment runs about 15 to 20 minutes, with actual scan time closer to 10 minutes. The radiation dose is substantially less than a chest X-ray and a small fraction of natural background exposure.

How to Prepare

  • Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan — they interfere with bone-density measurement.
  • No fasting required; eat and drink as usual.
  • Wear comfortable clothing free of metal (no zippers, buttons, snaps, or underwire).
  • Plan to change into a gown at the imaging center.
  • Bring any prior DXA reports for serial comparison.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you can drive yourself home and resume all normal activity immediately. Dr. Kedan reviews the full report personally and walks you through the bone numbers, body composition, visceral fat, and how each ties into your cardiovascular and metabolic plan at a follow-up visit. Repeat intervals depend on what's being tracked: 6 to 12 months for active body-composition work, and typically 1 to 2 years for bone-density surveillance.

Indications

  • Active weight loss or body recomposition goals
  • Metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes
  • Postmenopausal women and men over 50 for bone-density screening
  • Athletes and high performers tracking lean mass over time
  • Patients on medications that affect bone density or body composition
  • Long-term healthspan tracking and baseline establishment
  • Reassessment after significant lifestyle, training, or medication change

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DXA scan?
DXA stands for Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry — a low-dose imaging study that precisely measures bone density and body composition. The scanner uses two low-intensity X-ray beams to differentiate bone, fat, and lean tissue, generating exact numbers for bone mineral density, total and regional body fat, lean muscle mass, and the volume of visceral fat surrounding the abdominal organs.
Why is a body-composition scan part of cardiovascular care?
Visceral fat — the metabolically active fat packed around abdominal organs — drives insulin resistance, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, and independently raises cardiovascular risk. The bathroom scale and even BMI miss it entirely. A DXA quantifies visceral fat directly, along with lean muscle mass (a strong predictor of long-term health), giving Dr. Kedan a far more meaningful baseline than weight alone.
Who benefits most from a DXA scan?
Patients working on weight loss or body recomposition who want objective measurement of fat versus muscle changes, anyone with metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes, postmenopausal women and men over 50 for bone-density screening, athletes and high performers tracking lean mass, and patients on medications that can affect bone or composition. It's also a strong baseline for long-term healthspan tracking.
How do I prepare for a DXA scan?
Preparation is minimal. Avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan, since they can interfere with bone-density measurement. Wear comfortable clothing free of metal — no zippers, buttons, snaps, or underwire in the scan area. You'll often be asked to change into a gown to remove any interference.
Is the scan painful or uncomfortable?
No. You lie flat on a padded table while a low-intensity scanner arm passes slowly above you. You don't enter a tube, the table doesn't move much, and there's nothing to feel. Most patients find the experience easier than a routine X-ray.
How long does it take?
Plan on about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, with the actual scan time being closer to 10 minutes. The radiation dose is very low — substantially less than a chest X-ray and a small fraction of natural background exposure.
What exactly will I learn from the scan?
Bone mineral density at the hip and spine with T- and Z-scores (the standard measures used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis), total body fat percentage broken down by region, visceral fat mass in grams, and lean muscle mass total and per region. Tracked over time, the numbers reveal whether lifestyle, training, or medication changes are actually shifting body composition — not just the scale.
How often should the scan be repeated?
It depends on what we're tracking. For body composition during active lifestyle or weight-management interventions, 6 to 12 months is reasonable. For bone-density surveillance, intervals are typically 1 to 2 years. Dr. Kedan will recommend a cadence that fits your specific goals and risk profile.
When will I get my results?
DXA scanning is performed at a partner imaging center rather than in our office. Dr. Kedan reviews the full report personally and walks you through the bone numbers, body composition, visceral fat, and how each ties into your cardiovascular and metabolic plan at your follow-up visit.
Is the DXA scan covered by insurance?
Bone-density DXA for osteoporosis screening is often covered for age- or risk-appropriate patients; body-composition DXA is typically a cash-pay test. Cardiolucent does not accept Medicare or insurance for office visits and bills patients directly, providing a detailed superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. To discuss whether DXA fits your evaluation, call (310) 304-5555.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.