Understanding REMS vs DXA

Traditional DXA scans measure bone density, but the REMS emerging technology helps patients see more about their bone health.

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Can REMS replace the gold standard in osteoporosis? We think so.

The Hologic DEXA Scanner and DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorption) scanning has been the clinical gold standard for measuring bone density and diagnosing osteoporosis, which was FDA approved for clinical use back in 1988. But with new technology that doesn't use x-ray beams, REMS is providing bone density AND bone quality answers in bone health.

How the technologies compare

While both tests evaluate your bone health, they use entirely different technologies to calculate your fracture risk:

Feature

Technology

Radiation

Medical Status



What it Measures

Key Advantage

DXA Scan

Low-dose X-ray beams

Radiation (less than a standard X-ray)

Recognized worldwide as the clinical gold standard for treatment prescriptions

Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-scores, and Z-scores

Widely covered by health insurance and standard across hospitals

REMS Scan

Radiofrequency ultrasound waves

100% radiation-free

FDA-cleared, but newer; some providers may not use it to prescribe medication

Bone density and bone "quality" (provides a proprietary Fragility Score)

Highly portable and can filter out spinal artifacts like arthritis

If your provider ordered a bone density scan or you are looking to proactively evaluate your bone health, consider a REMS scan!

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The Difference between REMS and DEXA Technology

Bone loss and body changes often go unnoticed until they lead to serious health events. Traditional testing is limited, inconvenient, and sometimes avoided because of radiation exposure. Traditional DXA machines also have limitations such as positioning and artifacts within the body that can make DXA inconsistent and erroneous, resulting in frustration with how much a score can “jump” from exam to exam.

The Echolight REMS technology our providers use gives patients a safer, faster, and more comfortable way to understand their bone health and body composition, so they can take charge of their long-term wellness sooner.