During a central dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test, you lie down on a padded platform, fully clothed. A machine arm passes above you, sending low-dose X-rays through your body. Based on how much the X-rays change after passing through your bones, it comes up with an image of your skeleton. This test lasts about 10 minutes.
The image is given to an expert who reads the results. This could take a few days depending on your doctor’s office.