Bone Densitometer, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA, uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lower (or lumbar) spine and hips) to measure bone loss. It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, and to assess an individual's risk for developing osteoporotic fractures. DXA is simple, quick, and noninvasive. It's also the most commonly used and the most standard method for diagnosing osteoporosis.