Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan) in Singapore

A bone density test, or DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, measures bone mineral density using low-dose X-rays. It evaluates bone strength, identifies decreases in density before fractures occur, assesses fracture risk, and monitors the effectiveness of treatments for conditions such as osteoporosis.

Dr Donovan Tay

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

Dr Ben Ng

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

When a Bone Density Test is Recommended

A DEXA scan in Singapore may be advised under the following circumstances:

Early Menopause

Women who experienced menopause before age 45 should undergo regular bone density checks due to accelerated bone loss caused by decreased oestrogen.
Fracture History

Individuals who have sustained fractures from minor injuries or falls should be evaluated to identify underlying bone weakness.
Long-term Medication Use

Medications like corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs, aromatase inhibitors, or cancer treatments that affect bone health require periodic monitoring.
Associated Conditions

Individuals with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes, liver disease, or chronic illnesses linked to bone loss are advised to undergo testing.
Age-Related Screening

Women aged 65 and older and men aged 70 and older should have routine bone density testing. Postmenopausal women with risk factors—such as low body weight, a prior history of bone fracture, use of high risk medications (see below), smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption—may require earlier monitoring.
Family History or Lifestyle Factors

Those with a family history of osteoporosis or who have experienced significant weight loss, eating disorders, or malnutrition should also consider testing.

Benefits of DEXA Scan

A bone density test provides valuable insights into bone health.

Early Detection

Identifies bone density reductions before fractures occur, allowing for timely preventive measures.
Treatment Monitoring

Tracks changes in bone density over time, helping assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Fracture Risk Analysis

Supplies detailed information to develop personalised prevention strategies.
Minimal Radiation

Uses very low radiation doses compared to traditional X-rays, ensuring a safe and accurate measurement.

Preparing for a DEXA Scan

Medication Adjustments

Discontinue calcium supplements, including calcium-fortified antacids, at least 24 hours before the scan. These supplements can interfere with the accuracy of the measurements. Continue taking all other prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Recent Imaging or Procedures

Inform your doctor if you have recently undergone imaging studies such as barium X-rays, CT scans, or nuclear medicine tests. These procedures can leave residual substances in the body that may affect the accuracy of your DEXA scan. Scheduling the test several days after such procedures is typically recommended.

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Results Review and Follow-Up

Your results are typically available within a few days, after being analysed by a radiologist. Once the results are ready, your doctor will schedule a follow-up to discuss the findings, usually within a week. During this appointment, they will explain the results, recommend treatment options if needed, and outline a plan for future monitoring or follow-up scans depending on your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have a bone density test?

The timing of your bone density scans depends on whether the test is for screening (checking bone health) or monitoring (tracking changes over time). Here’s what to consider:

Screening Scans: If you’re over 65, or under 65 but with risk factors (like prior or family history of fractures or low body weight, etc), a baseline bone density scan is recommended. If your initial results don’t show osteoporosis, follow-up scans can help detect changes early and guide whether treatment is needed later. How often you’ll need these follow-ups depends on your personal risk of fractures, which your doctor will discuss with you.

Monitoring Scans (if on treatment): If you’re taking osteoporosis medication, you may need scans every 1–2 years to check if treatment is working. Higher-risk individuals (e.g., those with very low bone density or previous fractures) may need yearly scans.

Therefore, testing intervals depend on the indication for the test, your results and risk factors.

Can a DEXA scan detect all bone-related issues?

No, a DEXA scan is specifically designed to measure bone density. It does not detect fractures, cancer, or other bone abnormalities. Additional imaging tests may be needed to evaluate such conditions.

Are there any risks associated with a DEXA scan?

A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, involves a very small amount of radiation—approximately 0.001 mSv. This is comparable to the natural background radiation you might receive in just a few hours of daily living.

For context: A round-trip flight across the Atlantic exposes you to about 0.1 mSv, which is significantly more radiation than a DEXA scan. The radiation from a DEXA scan is about one-tenth of that from a standard chest X-ray, making it a very safe procedure for most individuals.

Important Note: Although the radiation dose is extremely low, it is advised that pregnant women avoid this scan unless absolutely necessary to safeguard the developing baby. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the benefits and risks based on your specific health situation.

Dr Ben Ng

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

As a senior consultant endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Ben Ng provides comprehensive care for patients managing various endocrine conditions. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, and a range of other metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Dr Ben Ng Jen Min graduated from the Queens University of Belfast Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK).
He completed his postgraduate training with the certificate of completion of training (CCT) from the Royal College of Physicians (UK) with dual accreditation in diabetes and endocrinology and in general internal medicine.
In 2010, he was awarded an MD with honours by the University of Hull, UK, in recognition for his research in diabetes mellitus

Dr Donovan Tay

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

As a senior consultant endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Donovan Tay provides comprehensive care for patients managing various endocrine conditions. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and a range of other metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Dr. Donovan Tay graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and obtained his membership in the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Master of Medicine (NUS), and Master of Clinical Investigation (NUS).
After completing training in endocrinology, he was conferred as a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS).
He further specialised in endocrinology with a fellowship at the prestigious Columbia University Medical Centre in New York City.

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