DEXA
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absorptiometry
[ab-sorp″she-om´ĕ-tre]in radiology, the measurement of the degree to which the radiation emitted by a radioisotope is completely dissipated within a tissue.
dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA) an imaging technique that uses two low-dose x-ray beams with different levels of energy to produce a detailed image of body components; used primarily to measure bone mineral density.
dual photon absorptiometry measurement of bone mineral content in the axial skeleton, particularly the lumbar spine, by comparing transmission of the two separate photoelectric energy peaks emitted by gadolinium 153 through both soft and bone tissues.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
DEXA
Abbreviation for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
DEXA
abbr.
dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
A technique using two different X-ray beams to estimate bone density in vertebrae and hip, which is the most accurate way to measure bone mineral density. Strong, dense bones allow less of an X-ray beam to pass through them; the amounts that each beam are blocked by bone and soft tissue are compared to each other.Pros
DEXA can measure as little as 2% bone loss/year; it is fast and uses very low doses of radiation
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
DEXA
Abbreviation for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012