Deprecated Femur Lateral Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
This entry refers to a retired or deprecated lateral-view dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement of the femur. It is no longer the recommended coding or procedure for assessing bone mineral density at the hip.
["This is a deprecated femur lateral DEXA test and has generally been replaced by standard hip DEXA views for bone density assessment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26121-4
- Short code
- Deprecated Femur-L DEXA
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Femur-L DEXA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-dexa
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Was
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is an imaging test that measures bone mineral density. A lateral femur view was once used to look at bone density along the side of the thighbone, but this specific approach has been deprecated and is not part of routine modern bone density reporting.
Why It Was Deprecated
Lateral femur measurements proved less reliable and less standardized than the standard anteroposterior (front-to-back) hip views used in bone density testing. Because results were harder to compare across patients and machines, this coding was retired in favor of more consistent hip and spine measurements.
What Is Used Instead
Current bone density evaluation typically uses anteroposterior DEXA of the hip and lumbar spine, sometimes with a forearm measurement when needed. Your clinician will select the appropriate sites based on your health history and the reason for testing.
What to Expect
A DEXA scan is quick and painless, uses very low radiation, and requires no special preparation beyond avoiding calcium supplements right before the test in some cases. If you see this deprecated term on a record, it likely reflects an older order or result that has since been replaced.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
DEXA remains the standard method for diagnosing osteoporosis and estimating fracture risk. Because lateral femur measurements were inconsistent, they were retired from routine use; modern hip and spine DEXA results, combined with clinical risk factors, guide decisions about lifestyle changes, calcium and vitamin D intake, and medication.
Short name
Femur Lateral DEXA (Deprecated)
Frequently asked questions
Should I be concerned if my report mentions a lateral femur DEXA?
Is DEXA safe?
How often should bone density be checked?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy