There is very little preparation needed.

Please:

• Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan
• Eat and drink as normal
• Continue taking your usual medications
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal (e.g. no zips or underwires)
• Inform us if you have had a CT or barium contrast exam in the last 7 days

• You will lie on a scanning table while a scanner passes slowly over your body
• The scan usually looks at your lower back (spine) and hips
• You will need to keep still for short periods (a few minutes at a time)
• The scan is not enclosed and is not claustrophobic
• The full appointment takes about 15–20 minutes

• You can go home immediately after your scan
• A specialist radiologist will review your results
• Your report will be sent to your referring doctor
• Results are usually available within 2–5 working days

Your results will include a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult.

• Normal – bone density within expected range
• Osteopenia – lower than normal bone density
• Osteoporosis – significantly reduced bone density

Your referring doctor will explain your results and advise on any treatment or follow-up needed.

A DEXA scan is the most reliable way to measure your bone strength (bone mineral density or BMD).

• It is recommended by international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) as the gold standard for measuring bone density and demonstrate whether your bone density is normal or in the Osteopenic or Osteoporotic range.
Osteoporosis means porous bones. It is a silent disease and is often not diagnosed until a fracture/ broken bone occurs. People with Osteoporosis lose more bone than people without the disease. This causes the bone to become fragile and weak and more susceptible to breaking. The good news is that Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable in most people.

• Early diagnosis with DEXA is imperative for the best outcomes.
• Positive confirmation of Osteoporosis from a DEXA may prompt a course of treatment as recommended by your referring Doctor which can slow down bone loss and prevent fractures

• DEXA scanning uses ionising radiation, which is associated with a small increased lifetime risk of developing cancer. The radiation dose you will receive is extremely low dose (10% the dose of a regular chest x-ray) and is also less than a day’s exposure to natural radiation

• Due to variations in parameters between different brands of DEXA scanners, you should have your scan on same equipment where possible.

• DEXA only measures one determinant of bone strength, and it only provides information on the quantity of the bone (not quality), follow up with your referring doctor is essential