Radiology - DEXA Scan

How to prepare

• If you require ambulance transport, a hoist transfer or struggle to mobilise without assistance, please let the department know as soon as possible before your scan so we can arrange a longer appointment
• We ask all DEXA scan patients to complete a bone health questionnaire. This will either be included with your appointment letter or texted to you before the scan. Please complete this before the appointment. If using the paper form bring it with you to the scan appointment. If you take any medications, please also bring a list of those
• If you take calcium supplements (e.g. Adcal/Calcichew), please stop taking these 24 hours before your appointment time
• Please wear loose clothing that does not have any metal e.g. zips, poppers. Alternatively, can change into a hospital gown before the scan
• If you have had a bone density scan in the last 2 years, please contact the department before your scan. Please also tell the scanning staff if you have had any other medical tests in the last seven days
• On the day of your appointment, please report to the x-ray reception desk in Radiology 2, which is on the ground floor of the Ladywell building
• As the scan uses x-rays, we will need to check there is no chance you are pregnant. If you are or might be, please contact us to rearrange
•  We will also need to measure your height and weight to make sure we select the right scan settings

What is a DEXA Scan? (often written as DXA)

DEXA/DXA stands for Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It uses low dose x-rays to quickly and reliably measure the density/ strength of your spine and hip bones. This information is used to assess your risk of osteoporosis which can lead to broken bones.

You will be asked to lie down on your back on the examination couch. You must lie still for the scans, which are painless and involve the scanner moving slowly above your body without touching you. You will not require an injection and the scanner is open, not in a tunnel.

For further information about DEXA or bone health please visit www.theros.org.uk/DXA

Your Results

Our reporting radiographers or radiologists will write a report combining the scan results and the information from your questionnaire. This will be sent to the person who requested your scan, which may have been a doctor or other healthcare professional. That will be the person who discusses the results with you.