DEXA body composition scan in Brussels: fat, muscle and bone
The DEXA scan measures fat, muscle and bone using a very low dose of X-rays. It takes about fifteen minutes and is done by appointment at Saint-Guidon (Anderlecht) and Woluwe-Evere (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert).
Key points
- DurationAbout 15 minutessetup and measurement included
- PreparationNoneclothes without metal, belt and jewelry removed
- PrescriptionNo prescriptionnot reimbursed, under the radiologist's supervision
- WhereSaint-Guidon and Woluwe-EvereAnderlecht, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
- ResultRight after the scanreport sent to your doctor, images on PACSonWEB
On this page
Understanding the exam
Why have a DEXA body composition scan
Weight does not say what the body is made of. The DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) breaks weight down into fat mass, lean mass and bone mass, and shows where the fat is located.
It helps to follow a diet: is the weight loss coming from fat or from muscle? It is also useful to athletes, who follow their lean mass over the course of training, and to anyone who wants to know their body composition precisely.
Good to know. To assess bone strength and the risk of osteoporosis, the doctor usually requests a bone density scan, which relies on the same technique.
The measurements
What the DEXA measures
A single scan gives four sets of measurements, each detailed by body region.
Fat mass
The fat of the whole body and of the arms, legs and trunk.
Lean mass
The muscles and other non-fat tissue, region by region, to follow muscle gain or loss.
Bone mass
The mineral content of the bones, a useful reference when losing weight or training hard.
Fat distribution
Belly fat compared with fat on the hips and thighs, which do not weigh the same for health.
Where
Which centers offer a DEXA scan
The DEXA scan is done at Saint-Guidon (Anderlecht) and Woluwe-Evere (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert).
Book in the online calendar of each center or call +32 2 899 88 85. Addresses and directions: centers page.
Before the exam
Preparing for your DEXA scan
No heavy preparation is needed. Come in comfortable clothes without zips or metal buttons, and take off your belt, jewelry and the objects in your pockets: metal disturbs the measurement.
Good to know. No doctor's request is needed: the scan is done under the radiologist's supervision. Tell the front desk about any recent exam with a contrast agent (see the precautions).
Before the exam
X-rays, pregnancy and recent exams
The DEXA scan uses X-rays in very small amounts, far less than a standard X-ray: it can be repeated as part of a follow-up.
Pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you may be, tell us before the scan: it is not done during pregnancy.
A recent exam with a contrast agent (barium, iodine) can distort the measurement. Mention it when you book: the team will tell you which date suits.
During the exam
How a DEXA scan goes
- Check-in. You check in at the front desk: no doctor's request is needed.
- Positioning. The technologist has you lie on your back on the table.
- Measurement. A scanning arm passes slowly above you without touching you: stay still.
- Finish. You get dressed and leave: no recovery time is needed.
The scan is done without any injection. You only need to stay still while the machine measures.
After the exam
After the DEXA scan: report and images
A radiologist interprets the measurements and writes a report for your doctor. The report is also published automatically on the Brussels Health Network and on MyHealth (Ma Santé). They explain what the figures mean for your situation; your doctor decides the next step with you. The result is available right after the scan.
As soon as the radiologist has interpreted the exam, your images and the report also appear on the PACSonWEB portal, with the access code the secretary gives you on site.
To compare two scans and see your progress, the DEXA can be repeated: see also the related exams.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about the DEXA scan
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Book in the online calendar of the center you choose, or call +32 2 899 88 85 and the team will offer you a slot.
Is the scan reimbursed?
Health insurance does not reimburse the DEXA body composition scan.
How is it different from a smart scale?
A scale estimates body composition with a weak electric current. The DEXA measures it with X-rays, region by region, which gives more detailed and more reproducible figures. They compare better from one scan to the next, which is useful for athletes or people following a diet.
Can I repeat it to follow my progress?
Yes, that is its purpose: comparing two scans shows how fat mass and lean mass change. Your doctor will tell you the right interval for your goal.
Read on
Exams related to the DEXA scan
Depending on your goal, the DEXA scan may be complemented by another exam.
- Bone densitometryMeasures bone density to assess the risk of osteoporosis.
- UltrasoundImages using sound waves, without X-rays: muscles, tendons, organs.
- X-rayAn image of bones and joints, when pain or a fracture is involved.
- MRI and CT scanOrganized by Access Imaging at our partner hospitals; our team arranges the appointment for you.
Find all our exams on the exams page, addresses on the centers page, more answers in the frequently asked questions, or write to us through the contact page.