Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is a means of measuring bone mineral density (BMD. Two X-ray beams, with different energy levels, are aimed at the patient�s bones. When soft tissue absorption is subtracted out, the BMD can be determined from the absorption of each beam by bone. Dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry is the most widely used and most thoroughly studied bone density measurement technology.

The DXA scan is typically used to diagnose and follow osteoporosis, as contrasted to the nuclear bone scan, which is sensitive to certain metabolic diseases of bones in which bones are attempting to heal from infections, fractures, or tumors