Bone Densitometry (Dexa bone scanning)

What you need to know

A Dexa scan is a painless test that measures the density of bones. Generally the denser your bones are, the stronger they are going to be and are less likely to break. Dexa bone scans will help to find out whether you have osteoporosis or whether you are at risk of developing it. They can also be used to detect other bone disorders and conditions and to monitor the relative amounts of body fat and muscle in your body.

F.A.Q

-F.A.Q: What is Osteoporosis?

-F.A.Q: What is a Bone Densitometry or DEXA scan?

-F.A.Q: How long will the scan take?

-F.A.Q: Is a Dexa bone scan safe?

-F.A.Q: Who will my DEXA scan be performed by?

-F.A.Q: How should I prepare for my DEXA scan?

-F.A.Q: What happens during the DEXA scan?

-F.A.Q: When will I get the results?

-F.A.Q: Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

-What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means porous bones. It is a silent disease that is usually not diagnosed until a fracture/s (broken bone/s) occurs. As we get older, more bone is naturally lost than is replaced, but people with Osteoporosis lose more bone than people who do not have the disease. It affects the entire body but will most commonly affect the hip, spine or wrist. Osteoporosis is a condition more commonly associated with women after menopause, but it can also affect men, children and people with certain chronic illnesses.

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-What is a Bone Densitometry or DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan is a painless test that measures the density of bones. Generally the denser your bones are, the stronger they are going to be and are less likely to break. Dexa bone scans will help to find out whether you have osteoporosis or whether you are at risk of developing it. They can also be used to detect other bone disorders and conditions and to monitor the relative amounts of body fat and muscle in your body.

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-How long will the scan take?

The scan will normally take 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

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-Is a Dexa bone scan safe?

There are small risks involved with x-rays. A standard x-ray uses such a small amount of radiation that is often similar to what you would get from natural background radiation in everyday life.
If you are or think that you may be pregnant, it is essential that you tell our radiology team before your dexa scan.

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-Who will my DEXA scan be performed by?

Your DEXA will be carried out by one of our team of friendly radiographers who will stay with you in the room during your scan.

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-How should I prepare for my DEXA scan?

There is no specific preparation required for a DEXA examination.

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-What happens during the DEXA scan?

On your arrival for your dexa bone scan, you will firstly complete the registration process with our receptionist and also a short questionnaire. One of our team will then bring you to the examination room, ensure that you are comfortable and explain what is going to happen as part of the scan. You will lie down on a table for the scan and a small machine will move down over your body without touching you and emit low dose x-rays which will travel through your bones. You will not feel anything during your scan.

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-When will I get the results?

You will normally receive a print out of the results following your dexa scan which will also be reviewed by a radiologist. A copy of your results will also be sent to your own doctor.

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-Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

Yes but for safety reasons, they will not normally be allowed into the examination room with you during your procedure.

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