A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a quick, non-invasive scan performed in a radiology clinic that measures different components of your body. It uses two low-dose X-ray beams to analyse bone and soft tissue, producing precise and reliable measurements to assess bone strength, fat distribution and muscle mass.
Types of DEXA scans
DEXA scans are commonly used for two purposes:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) testing
- Body composition analysis
When combined, these scans provide a more complete picture of overall health. By assessing both bone strength and body composition, a DEXA scan can function as a quick full body health check. This approach allows clinicians to evaluate bone health, muscle mass, fat distribution and metabolic risk factors all in one scan.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing for Osteoporosis Screening
A bone mineral density test measures the strength and density of your bones. This type of DEXA scan is primarily used to assess the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weaker and more likely to fracture.
Osteoporosis often develops without symptoms, which is why screening can be important, particularly for people at higher risk.
Bone mineral density scans are commonly recommended for:
- women over 50 or after menopause
- men over 60 with risk factors
- people with a family history of osteoporosis
- individuals who have experienced low-impact fractures
- patients taking medications that affect bone density
- people with conditions that weaken bones
The scan helps doctors detect early bone loss, diagnose osteoporosis and monitor changes in bone density over time, allowing people to make lifestyle changes and start treatment early to reduce fracture risk.
Body composition DEXA scan
The second type of scan available on many DEXA machines is a body composition analysis. This scan provides a detailed breakdown of:
- body fat percentage
- lean muscle mass
- bone mass
- fat distribution throughout the body
Body composition scans are increasingly used in preventative healthcare, fitness monitoring and medical research. Furthermore, visceral fat and muscle loss (sarcopenia) are increasingly shown to be a predictor in health outcomes, particularly in post-surgical recovery and cancer treatment outcomes and survival.
Visceral Fat and Metabolic Health
Visceral fat is the fat stored deep within the abdomen around important organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines. Unlike fat stored just under the skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat is metabolically active and can have a significant impact on overall health.
Higher levels of visceral fat are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that includes high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels and excess abdominal fat. Together, these factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The way fat is distributed in the body is often a stronger predictor of long-term health outcomes than body weight or BMI alone. Two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic risk profiles depending on how much visceral fat they carry.
A body composition DEXA scan can help assess fat distribution throughout the body. Some DEXA machines are able to estimate visceral fat levels, providing additional insight into metabolic health and potential cardiovascular risk. This information can be useful for tracking changes over time and guiding lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, exercise and weight management.
DEXA vs Other Body Composition Methods
DEXA scans are considered one of the most reliable methods for measuring body composition compared with common approaches such as BMI, skinfold measurements or bioelectrical impedance devices. Traditional methods estimate body fat indirectly, while a DEXA scan can separate bone mass, lean muscle and body fat in a single scan. This provides a more detailed and clinically useful picture of an individual’s body composition and fat unique fat distribution.
| Method | What it measures | Accuracy | Limitations |
| BMI (Body Mass Index) | Weight relative to height | Low | Cannot distinguish between fat, muscle or bone. Two people with the same BMI can have very different body compositions. |
| Skinfold measurements | Thickness of subcutaneous fat under the skin | Moderate | Limited accuracy in overweight individuals and only measures fat under the skin, not total body fat or visceral fat. |
| Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) | Estimates body fat based on electrical resistance through body water | Moderate | Results can vary depending on hydration levels, body shape and prediction equations used. |
| Waist circumference | Abdominal size used as a proxy for fat distribution | Moderate | Cannot distinguish between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. |
| DEXA scan | Direct measurement of bone mass, lean muscle and body fat | High | Requires specialised radiology equipment and a short scan. |
| CT or MRI imaging | Detailed imaging of body tissues and fat distribution | Very high | Expensive, time-consuming and not practical for routine body composition testing. |
DEXA scans are widely used in clinical research and radiology because they can directly measure bone, muscle and fat in a single scan, providing a more precise assessment of body composition than indirect methods such as BMI or bioelectrical impedance.
Do you need a referral for a DEXA Scan?
For many people booking a DEXA scan, a referral is not required.
Body composition DEXA scans are typically performed as a private service and can usually be booked directly with a radiology clinic without a doctor’s referral. These scans are commonly used for fitness tracking, metabolic health assessment and monitoring changes in muscle and body fat.
Bone mineral density scans are often performed to assess osteoporosis risk and may require a referral from a doctor if you are seeking Medicare eligibility. Your healthcare provider can determine whether you meet the criteria for a Medicare-funded bone density test.
If you are unsure which type of DEXA scan you need, MBR Health can help guide you based on your health goals and clinical needs.
How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost – Gold Coast?
One of the most common questions people ask is how much for a DEXA scan. The cost of a DEXA scan can vary depending on the type of scan and the radiology clinic providing the service.
Body composition DEXA scans are typically privately billed and are commonly used for fitness tracking, weight management and metabolic health assessment. In most cases, the cost of a body composition scan ranges from approximately $70 to $150, depending on the clinic, technology and location, although prices may vary between clinics and locations.
Bone mineral density scans used to assess osteoporosis risk may be eligible for Medicare if certain clinical criteria are met and a referral is provided by a doctor. If the scan is not Medicare eligible, it may also be performed as a private service.
If you are considering a DEXA body composition or BMD test, it is best to contact your local radiology clinic to confirm current pricing, Medicare rebates and availability.
How to Prepare for your DEXA scan?
Preparing for a DEXA scan is simple and requires very little preparation. Following a few basic steps can help ensure the most accurate results.
- wear comfortable clothing without metal such as zips, buttons or underwire
- avoid heavy exercise immediately before the scan
- avoid large meals just before your appointment
- stay well hydrated
- avoid having IV contrast imaging studies for 2–3 days before a bone mineral density test
A DEXA scan is quick and non-invasive, and most appointments take around 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens after the DEXA scan?
After the scan, there is no recovery time required. You can return to your normal daily activities immediately.
If you have a DEXA Body Composition scan, your results are usually available the same day and can be emailed to you, printed or provided on a USB.
If you had a Bone Density DEXA scan, your results will be sent to your referring doctor usually within 1 – 3 business days. Depending on the radiology clinic, these results may also be available in your patient portal.
Book a DEXA Scan Gold Coast
If you are looking for a DEXA scan Gold Coast service, MBR Health offers research-grade Medix DR DEXA scanner for advanced body composition and bone mineral density scans with lower radiation and higher accuracy compared to other DEXA providers.
Contact MBR Health to learn more or to book your DEXA scan to better understand your bone strength, body composition and metabolic health.
If you are seeking a full-body health check, see our Whole Body MRI™ scan packages including full-body MRI, lung and cardiovascular risk assessment, body composition and bone mineral density DEXA scan for more proactive health insights.
Author: Dr Amanda Forbes (PhD)
Frequently Asked Questions
See our most commonly asked questions for DEXA scans. For a full-list of frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.
Are DEXA scans bulk-billed?
Some radiology providers may bulk-bill or offer a Medicare rebate for a Bone Mineral Density test for eligible individuals with a valid referral.
Do I need to make an appointment for DEXA scans?
At MBR Health, our clinical team is able to take walk-ins for DEXA body composition and/or bone mineral density test. This may be the case for other radiology providers. Please call your preferred clinic to confirm.
