DEXA scan

If you have concerns about fragile or weak bones, our low dose X-ray can help.

What is the DEXA scan?

DEXA scan, also known as the bone density or DXA scan, uses low dose dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess the density of your bones. This helps you make informed decisions about exercise, diet and further treatments.

Choose the DEXA Scan for:

Assessing or diagnosing osteoporosis
Maximising athletic performance
Understanding your long-term fracture risk
Fast, accurate results

DEXA scans explained

Caroline Hossein, Senior Radiographer at Benenden Hospital, talks about what to expect when you come to our hospital for a DEXA scan.

Video transcript

We have a brand new GE DEXA scanner which delivers fast, low dose scanning with excellent precision. DEXA is a bone density scan to help assess how strong your bones are, and help us predict your future risk of fracture. It uses low dose X-rays that are only equal to three days of background radiation in everyday life meaning that it's very safe. Scans on average take us 15 to 20 minutes. Your DEXA scan report will provide us a detailed score on your current bone density, and also predict your future risk of fracture. The report will help guide your future management and treatment. On the day of your DEXA scan you'll be asked to wear comfortable non-metallic clothes and fill out a questionnaire prior to your scan, which will include questions about your medical and your family history. You'll be asked to lie on your back on the scan table, and the scanning arm passes slowly over your body as it takes the images. The scan takes no more than 20 minutes, it's pain free and no injections are required. At Benenden Hospital, we have a warm welcoming space for your DEXA scan, complete with beautiful imagery of the Kent countryside. We aim to offer a calming environment to all our patients visiting us for their scan. Our diagnostic imaging team offer reassurance and support to anxious patients and accessibility for disabled patients, ensuring each individual is treated with dignity and respect. We have a seamless patient pathway, meaning if you require onward referral we can offer access to these services. The scan report will be sent to your referring clinician within a few days. To access a DEXA scan, you will need a referral from your GP, or you can visit our private GP service where they can assess and refer you. If you are a Benenden Health member or wish to self-fund, you will still require a referral from a healthcare professional. Benenden Health members can have the scan covered under their membership. We look forward to seeing you for your DEXA scan. Get referred today.

I have a question about the DEXA scan

What type of patient would need a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. It is not suitable for anyone under the age of 20 or those who have had a baby in the last 12 months.

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.

Who is most at risk of developing osteoporosis?

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

How can I prepare for my DEXA scan?

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

What happens during a DEXA scan?

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.

What should I expect after a DEXA scan?

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.

What is the T-score?

Your bone density scan results are shown as a T score, which compares your bone mineral density with that of a healthy young adult of the same sex.

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

How can I access a DEXA scan at Benenden Hospital?

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 or osteopath.

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

How much does a DEXA scan cost?

Bone density scan: £190

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).

Calls to 03 numbers from UK landlines and mobiles cost no more than a national rate call to 01 or 02 numbers. If you receive inclusive free calls to 01 or 02 numbers with your landline or mobile tariff, calls to 03 numbers will also be included.