How long should a patient wait to have a DXA scan after having undergone recent contrast studies?

• A. 1 week
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 3 weeks
• D. 4 weeks

Answer: (B)

The recommended waiting period for a patient to have a DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan after undergoing contrast studies is typically two weeks. This timeframe allows for the clearance of the contrast material from the patient's body, reducing the risk of artifacts in the DXA images that could potentially interfere with the accuracy of bone density measurements.

Contrast agents, especially those containing iodine, can cause temporary changes in the body's composition and may produce shadows or additional densities on a DXA scan. By allowing two weeks, healthcare professionals ensure that any residual effects of the contrast dye have sufficiently diminished, leading to more precise and reliable results in assessing bone health. This timing is considered best practice in the field of bone densitometry to maintain the integrity of diagnostic imaging.