Bone Densitometer (DEXA) Buyer's FAQ

A new central DEXA scanner typically costs between $45,000 and $85,000 depending on the technology and software features. Refurbished DEXA scanners from Intel Imaging generally range from $18,000 to $35,000, offering a cost-saving of up to 50-70% with identical diagnostic quality, precision, and robust warranty terms.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a DEXA scanner is remarkably low compared to larger modalities. Ongoing operational expenses include annual preventative maintenance, minor software licenses, and standard electrical power. Because DEXA systems are highly reliable, choosing a refurbished system with an inclusive maintenance contract from Intel Imaging ensures predictable operating costs over years of service.

Intel Imaging provides flexible capital leases, structured rental agreements, and customized payment plans to align with your facility's specific clinical volume and cash-flow. This enables private practices, endocrinology clinics, and imaging centers to acquire advanced bone densitometry systems with minimal upfront capital.

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) utilizes two X-ray beams with different energy levels to estimate bone mineral density (BMD) at critical sites such as the hip, lumbar spine, and forearm. It calculates the bone density and provides a T-score and Z-score to diagnose osteoporosis and assess a patient's risk of future bone fractures.

Central DEXA systems are large, table-based scanners used to measure BMD at the hip and spine—the clinical standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring treatment efficacy. Peripheral DEXA (pDEXA) systems are small, portable devices designed to measure bone density at extremities like the heel, wrist, or finger, mostly used for initial community screenings.

Essential software clinical tools include FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) integration, Advanced Hip Assessment (AHA), vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), and pediatric bone density scanning. For multidisciplinary practices, total body composition software (measuring fat-free mass and fat percentage) is highly valuable for metabolic and sports medicine programs.

DEXA systems use extremely low-dose radiation, significantly less than standard diagnostic X-rays or CT scans. Because the scatter radiation is minimal, most local regulations do not require dedicated lead-shielded rooms or lead-lined walls. However, the system should be placed in a room that meets standard dimensions, provides proper operator clearance, and has been verified by a qualified radiation safety officer.

The physical installation of a central DEXA scanner usually takes 1 to 2 days once delivered. The overall lead time—encompassing our comprehensive refurbishment process, multi-point quality testing, and transport—generally ranges from 2 to 3 weeks depending on system availability.

Intel Imaging provides a comprehensive 1-year warranty on all refurbished DEXA bone densitometers. We offer customized preventative maintenance contracts, remote software support, rapid OEM parts replacement, and local engineer dispatch to guarantee maximum system uptime and clinical peace of mind.

DEXA technologists require specialized training in patient positioning and scan acquisition, as slight alignment errors can significantly impact BMD precision. Intel Imaging includes on-site clinical applications training to ensure accurate scanning. Interpreting physicians benefit from training in ISCD (International Society for Clinical Densitometry) guidelines to correctly evaluate T-scores and fracture risks.

Yes, all our refurbished central DEXA scanners are fully cleared by major regulatory authorities, including the FDA and CE. They undergo comprehensive physical calibration, detector testing, and radiation output verification to strictly meet all medical device safety standards.

A standard central DEXA scan is fast, completely painless, and non-invasive. The patient lies comfortably on a padded table while the scanner arm passes overhead, taking only 5 to 10 minutes to scan the hip and spine. No injections, fasting, or special preparations are required.