Radiation risk with DEXA scanning

DEXA scanning is known as one of the lowest dose X-ray scanning methods. Radiation dose is a measure of the amount of energy absorbed by the body during an examination. Dose is measured in Sievert (Sv), which is a large unit. Therefore, the radiation dose in X-ray examinations is usually expressed in millisieverts (mSv). 1 Sv = 1,000 mSv. A DEXA scan gives an average radiation dose of 0.001 mSv depending on the scanning protocol and scanner type. The dose from a DEXA scan of 0.001 mSv is equivalent to a trip through an airport body scanner or one tenth (1/10) of the radiation dose from a dental X-ray (0.010 mSv).

Risk of cancer with DEXA scanning

A dose from a DEXA scan of 0.001 mSv is below the calculated risk dose and the risk of cancer must therefore be set to 0. You can read more about the risks of radiation in the Danish Health Authority’s document “Strålingsguiden. Ionizing radiation” by clicking on the guide below:

If you have any further questions about radiation, please contact the Danish Health Authority at Axel Heides Gade 1 2300 Copenhagen S – http://www.sst.dk.