DEXA Scans
in Long Island City, NY
See what your body is really made of. A DEXA scan measures your body fat, lean muscle, and bone density with medical-grade precision, giving you a clear picture of your health that a scale never could.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) uses two low-dose X-ray beams to look beneath the surface and measure what your body is actually made of: bone, lean muscle, and fat, broken down region by region.
For decades, DEXA has been the gold standard for measuring bone density. Today, it has also become one of the most trusted tools in fitness and wellness. Athletes, lifters, runners, and health-conscious adults in their 20s, 30s, and beyond use DEXA scans to set an accurate baseline and see how their training, nutrition, and lifestyle are paying off over time.
At NY Partners Orthopedics in Long Island City, we offer DEXA scans for both body composition insights for anyone curious about their health and bone density testing for patients who need it.
For decades, DEXA has been the gold standard for measuring bone density. Today, it has also become one of the most trusted tools in fitness and wellness. Athletes, lifters, runners, and health-conscious adults in their 20s, 30s, and beyond use DEXA scans to set an accurate baseline and see how their training, nutrition, and lifestyle are paying off over time.
At NY Partners Orthopedics in Long Island City, we offer DEXA scans for both body composition insights for anyone curious about their health and bone density testing for patients who need it.
What a DEXA Scan Reveals About Your Body
Your bathroom scale gives you one number. A DEXA scan shows you what that number is made of, and where it lives in your body.
Body Fat Percentage
Your total body fat, plus how it is distributed across your arms, legs, and trunk.
Subcutaneous vs. Visceral Fat
Separate the fat just under your skin from the visceral fat stored deep around your organs, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Lean Muscle Mass
See how much muscle you carry in each region of your body, and whether your training is building it.
Bone Density
A look at your bone strength, whether you are setting a healthy baseline or screening for bone loss.
Body Symmetry
Compare your left and right sides to spot imbalances in muscle, fat, and bone that may affect performance or contribute to injury.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
Whether you are tracking fitness goals or managing a chronic condition, a DEXA scan provides essential health insights.
For Fitness, Wellness & Performance
Athletes & Active Adults: Track body fat percentage, lean muscle gains, and athletic performance over time.
Weight Loss & Recomposition: Measure exact fat loss versus muscle preservation during a diet or training program.
Injury Recovery: Identify muscle imbalances between left and right sides to aid targeted rehabilitation..
Metabolic & Health Optimization: Assess deep visceral fat around organs, a key indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
For Bone Health & Medical Screening
Older Adults: Standard screening is recommended for women 65+ and men 70+.
At-Risk Adults (Ages 50–69): Recommended for postmenopausal women and men with risk factors such as family history, low body weight, or smoking.
Fracture History: Anyone who has suffered a bone fracture after age 50.
High-Risk Medications & Conditions: Individuals using long-term steroids or managing conditions that affect bone health, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, or celiac disease.
DEXA vs. Other Body Composition Methods
Smart scales and skin calipers estimate body fat using indirect measurements. DEXA measures your body directly, which is why it is considered one of the most precise body composition tools available.
What to Expect During a DEXA Scan
STEP 1
Before Your Scan
Preparing is simple. A few small steps help us get the most accurate results:
Skip calcium supplements, including multivitamins and calcium-based antacids, for at least 24 hours before your scan.
Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons,
underwire, or belts.
Leave jewelry at home.
Let us know if you recently had a barium exam or contrast dye for a CT scan, or if you could be pregnant.
Tracking progress? Schedule repeat scans at the same time of day and under similar conditions, like the same meal and workout routine, for the most accurate comparison.
STEP 2
During Your Scan
You will lie on a padded table while a scanner arm passes slowly over your body. Just stay still and breathe normally. Most scans take 10 to 20 minutes, and you can head straight back to work or the gym afterward.
STEP 3
Your Results Consultation
After your scan, you will sit down with our team to walk through your report, including what your visceral fat level means for your health and how to put your numbers to work toward your goals.
Sample Report | GE HealthCare
Understanding Your DEXA Results
Body Composition Report
Your report breaks down your body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat, region by region, along with a left-to-right symmetry comparison. Many people rescan every three to six months to see how changes in their training or nutrition show up over time.
Bone Density Report
Your bone density results include a T-score, which compares your bones to those of a healthy young adult.
T-Score
What It Means
-1.0 or higher
Normal bone density
Between -1.0 and -2.5
Osteopenia (low bone density)
-2.5 or lower
Osteoporosis
If your scan shows signs of bone loss, your provider will walk you through next steps, which may include calcium and vitamin D, strength training, fall prevention, or medication.
DEXA Scans
Near You in Long Island City,
Queens
27-06 44th Drive Lower Level
Long Island City, NY 11101
Long Island City, NY 11101
DEXA Scan FAQs
Is a DEXA scan worth it if I am young and healthy?
Yes. Many people in their 20s and 30s get a DEXA scan to set a baseline and track how their body changes over time. It is one of the only ways to see your visceral fat and muscle distribution, and knowing your numbers early makes it easier to adjust your training, nutrition, and habits.
How accurate is a DEXA scan for body fat?
DEXA is considered one of the most precise body composition tools available. It measures fat, lean tissue, and bone directly instead of estimating them from a formula.
Can a DEXA scan measure visceral fat?
Yes. A DEXA scan separates visceral fat, the fat around your organs, from the subcutaneous fat just under your skin. Your provider will explain what your visceral fat level means during your results consultation.
What is the difference between a body composition scan and a bone density scan?
Both use the same DEXA technology. A body composition scan looks at your fat, muscle, and bone across your whole body, while a bone density scan focuses on bone strength at key sites like the hip and spine.
Is a DEXA scan safe?
Yes. A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of radiation, roughly comparable to what you are naturally exposed to over a day or two of everyday life.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
For fitness and body composition tracking, many people scan every three to six months. For bone health, your provider will recommend a schedule based on your results and risk factors.
Book Your DEXA Scan in Long Island City
Your report breaks down your body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat, region by region, along with a left-to-right symmetry comparison. Many people rescan every three to six months to see how changes in their training or nutrition show up over time.
Request an Appointment