DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorption) scanning is the gold standard for assessing bone mineral density and body composition. Using two low-energy X-ray beams, our research-grade DEXA system measures bone strength, muscle mass, fat distribution and visceral fat with exceptional accuracy — and up to 80 times less radiation than conventional DEXA machines.
Whether you are monitoring bone health, managing metabolic conditions or optimising athletic performance, DEXA provides objective, quantitative data that goes far beyond what weight or BMI alone can tell you. Available on the Gold Coast at MBR Health.
Research-grade high-resolution DEXA (Medix DR)DEXA uses two low-energy X-ray beams to measure the density of bone and the distribution of soft tissue throughout the body. Results are expressed as T-scores and Z-scores for bone mineral density, and as precise regional and whole-body measurements of muscle mass, fat mass and visceral fat for body composition. This combination of data gives you and your clinician a comprehensive, objective picture of your bone health and metabolic status.
A DEXA scan may be recommended across a range of clinical and health monitoring scenarios. For bone mineral density (BMD) assessment, DEXA is commonly recommended for individuals over the age of 50, post-menopausal women, patients on long-term corticosteroid or other bone-affecting medications, and those with a personal or family history of osteoporosis or minimal trauma fracture. For body composition, DEXA provides objective measurement of muscle mass, fat distribution and visceral fat — markers increasingly recognised as important indicators of metabolic health and chronic disease risk including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Body composition scanning is also valuable for individuals actively working on weight loss (including those using GLP1 agonists), muscle gain or training programs, providing objective data to track meaningful changes over time and inform adjustments to nutrition and exercise strategies. Speak with your GP or healthcare provider about whether a DEXA scan is appropriate for your situation.
MBR Health operates a research-grade DEXA system (Medix DR) delivering bone density and whole-body body composition analysis with up to 80 times less radiation than conventional DEXA machines. Our system provides highly accurate quantitative data across bone mineral density, muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat and regional body composition — metrics that are increasingly recognised as essential markers of long-term metabolic and musculoskeletal health. Every scan is interpreted by specialist radiologists with expertise in metabolic and musculoskeletal health, ensuring your results are clinically meaningful and actionable.
The information on this page is intended as general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing bone pain, unexplained fractures, or symptoms that concern you, please consult your GP or specialist promptly.
DEXA bone density scanning at MBR Health is performed following referral from a GP or specialist and is intended to complement, not replace, clinical assessment by a qualified medical practitioner. Please inform our team if you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant prior to your appointment.
DEXA is the gold standard test for osteoporosis and osteopenia, measuring bone mineral density at key fracture sites including the spine, hip and forearm. Results help your doctor determine your fracture risk and whether treatment or monitoring is required.
DEXA quantifies total and regional muscle mass, fat mass and fat distribution across the body. High visceral fat increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease. Adequate muscle mass protects against frailty, falls and age-related decline. Athletes use body composition data to optimise training load, recovery and performance.
No fasting is required for a DEXA scan. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal fasteners, zips or underwire. Please avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before your appointment. Remove jewellery and metal objects before your scan. Please inform our team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or may be pregnant. If you have had any recent contrast injections or nuclear medicine studies, please let us know when booking as this may affect timing. Bring a list of your current medications and any prior imaging or DEXA results if available.
You will lie flat on a padded scanning table while the scanning arm passes smoothly and quietly over your body. The scan is completely painless and requires no injections, contrast agents or special breathing instructions. A whole-body body composition scan typically takes less than 10 minutes. A bone mineral density scan of the spine and hip typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Radiation exposure is extremely low — up to 80 times less than conventional DEXA and well below that of a standard chest X-ray.
You can resume normal activities immediately after your scan. There is no recovery time required.
For bone mineral density results, a specialist radiologist will review your scan and prepare a detailed report for your referring doctor. Results are typically available within one to two business days.
For body composition results, your measurements are processed immediately and available on the day of your scan. Results will be provided to you and your referring clinician as requested.