A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis, or for patients seeking a precise analysis of their body fat and muscle mass. It is not suitable for anyone under the age of 20 or those who have had a baby in the last 12 months.

For bone density

Until your mid-thirties, your bones are usually at their thickest and strongest. After this point, we all gradually start losing bone. If you develop osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose strength and become more likely to break, you lose bone much faster than normal. Patients with this condition are more at risk of a bone fracture so may be recommended a scan by their healthcare professional.

The results from a bone density scan are usually used alongside a fracture risk assessment to assess your chances of osteoporosis and breaking a bone.

For body composition

Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the scan can look beyond scales and the traditional body mass index (BMI) to determine body fat distribution. This is particularly helpful for patients diagnosed or at risk of any of the following diseases:

• Obesity
• Anorexia nervosa
• Cystic fibrosis
• Wasting syndrome (caused by HIV/AIDS)
• Chronic renal failure

According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, over 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with the condition.

There are many reasons why you may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis:

• You’re over 50 years old
• You smoke or have previous broken bones
• If you have low testosterone as a male
• You have a family history of osteoporosis
• BMI of 19 or less
• If you have pre-existing conditions such as hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis

Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis because the drop in oestrogen during menopause directly reduces bone density. Oestrogen is essential for maintaining strong bones, and its decline after menopause can lead to rapid bone loss. The risk is even higher for women who have:

• An early menopause (before 45)
• A hysterectomy before 45, especially if the ovaries are removed
• Absent periods for over six months due to excessive exercise or restrictive dieting

The DEXA scan provides athletes with detailed insight into the distribution of fat, lean mass and muscle density across the body. This information is helpful for both athletes and their trainers to adjust training programmes and dietary needs to maximise performance both on and off the track.

Body composition measurements can help athletes to:

• Track progress over time
• Prevent injury and support recovery
• Boost motivation from seeing results
• Build confidence in training programmes

You may wish to use the Frax Calculator | FRAXplus® - a medical approved questionnaire which can be quickly filled in to calculate your 10-year probability of a bone fracture.

If you are taking calcium supplements, please do not take these on the day of your scan as these can interfere with the scan results.

Please come to your appointment dressed in loose fitting, non-metallic clothing as this will mean you will not be required to change for the DEXA scan.

• If there is any chance you could be pregnant, please phone the department before attending, as it may be necessary to delay your DEXA scan
• If you have had metalwork inserted in your spine or hips, please phone the department prior to attending your appointment to inform us
• If you have had any scan with any type of contrast, including barium studies, please phone the department prior to attending your appointment, as it may not be possible to undertake your DEXA scan in the two weeks following either of these scans
• If you have given birth within the last 12 months, please phone the department prior to attending as it may not be possible to undertake your DEXA at this time

A bone density scan is quick and painless, usually taking 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll lie on your back on an X-ray table while the scanner captures images of a specific area of your body.

After your scan, you can drive home and return to your normal activities. A detailed report will be sent to your referring clinician. They’ll assess your T-score; the lower the score the more at risk of osteoporosis you are.

Your bone density scan results are shown as a T score, which compares your bone strength with the average for healthy adults of the same age, sex and ethnicity.

• T score between 0 and -1: your bone density is within the normal range
• T score between -1 and -2.5: this indicates osteopenia, meaning your bones are weaker than normal but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis
• T score below -2.5: this confirms osteoporosis, where bone density is significantly reduced

To arrange a DEXA scan, you’ll need a referral from a healthcare professional. This could be your own GP, through our Private GP service or from a Consultant, Physiotherapist or Osteopath.

For any enquiries, please contact our Imaging department on 01580 362887.

Bone density scan: £190
Body composition scan: £400

If you’re a Benenden Health member, diagnostic procedures up to the cost of £2,500 could be covered by your membership. Request access by calling Benenden Health on 0300 304 5700 (8am-5pm Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays).