DXA

What is the DXA scan?

• The Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry (DXA) measures bone density, fat, and muscle in an individual.

Is it safe?

• Yes! The DXA xray beams use very little radiation.

What should I expect when my child gets the scan?

• To get the scan, your child should not be wearing any metal (includes button and zipper on jeans).
• A nurse will take you and your child back to the scanner and will give you instructions. Your child will lay still for 6 minutes. You will be with your child the whole time.
• The arm on the DXA will move down the table, getting a scan of the whole body.
• The results of the DXA look like the picture on the computer in the picture above.

                                                   MRI

What is an MRI scan?

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that uses a magnetic field to produce a picture. For our studies, the MRI will take pictures of your child’s brain.

Is the MRI safe?

• Yes! Doctors use this scan all the time.

What should I expect when my child gets this scan?

• Your child will be working with a trained MRI technician to get ready for the scan. Your child will lay down and be in the scanner for 45 minutes. They will be interacting with different images while in the scanner. They will be given a button that they can press if they get uncomfortable in the scanner at any point. Your child should not wear any metal.

Your child will get to practice in the mock scanner before going into the real scanner. This allows the child to ask any questions, practice being in the scanner (staying still), and know what to expect when they are in the real scanner.

Mock Scanner

Your child will go to the mock scanner before going into the real scanner. If your child is not comfortable in the mock scanner, they won’t go into the real MRI scanner. The mock scanner is also located in Chandlee.

If you have any questions about any of the testing equipment or why we use them in our study, please contact us!