DEXA Scans

Prices from £231

DEXA stands for 'dual energy X-ray absorptiometry'. It is a test that measures the density of bones. In general, the denser the bone, the stronger it is and the less likely it is to break. The scan is used to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia. Osteopenia is the stage before osteoporosis when a bone density scan shows you have lower bone density than the average for your age, but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis.

A DEXA scan uses low energy X-rays from 2 sources which are measured by a detector. The bones most commonly scanned are the vertebrae (back bones), hip and wrist. (These are the bones that most commonly fracture due to osteoporosis.) The scan usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on which part of your body is being examined, and which scanner is being used. You do not need to do any special preparation prior to a DEXA scan.