Bone density test, or DEXA scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is the exam for diagnosing osteoporosis, says Dr. Deepa Sharma, Family Medicine Physician with Baptist Health Primary Care.

The specialist explains it’s a painless and not invasive test, similar to X ray, and it can help to determinate the bone density status. No preparation, intravenous medication or sedation is required and the exam takes about 20 minutes.

The doctor advises doing the test for women over 65 and for men over 70 and also, she is in favor of the heel scan.