DEXA uses a very low dose X-ray. The typical x-ray dose is less than a day of background radiation. By background radiation, we mean the usual dose that people in Australia receive from normal exposure from background sources. In Australia, the average person receives 2700 microSv of radiation, each year. A DEXA scan typically involves about 5-7 microSv– a very low dose.This is less radiation than you would experience on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Please note, it is not recommended having a scan while pregnant. Having a scan while breastfeeding will not have any adverse effects. And, of course, you will not be radioactive, after the scan!