DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan is a simple, painless test that measures your bone density and helps assess your risk of osteoporosis – a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break. The test is quick, safe, and provides vital information to help protect your bone health as you age.
At a glance
- Doctor referral only
- Next-day availability
- Fixed Price Package
- Health insurance
- Self-Pay Available
What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) uses low-dose X-rays to measure how dense your bones are. It can also look at your body composition, such as how much fat and muscle you have. A DEXA scan is more precise than a standard X-ray and can detect early bone thinning before fractures occur.
A DEXA scan is most commonly used to check if you’re at risk of osteoporosis – a health condition that affects your bones, making them weaker and more prone to fractures – or if you’ve already had a bone fracture after a minor fall or injury.
You may be referred for a scan if you:
are a woman who’s gone through menopause, particularly before age 45
are taking steroid medication (such as glucocorticoids) for more than 3 months
have a low body weight or a body mass index (BMI) of less than 21
have a family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
smoke or drink heavily
have had your ovaries removed and not taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
DEXA scans can also be used to monitor how well osteoporosis treatment is working over time.
In a DEXA scan, the radiographer will compare your bone density measurements to those of a young, healthy adult, or someone of your age, gender, and ethnicity. Your consultant will use a fracture risk assessment alongside your DEXA scan results to assess your risk of having osteoporosis.
A fracture risk assessment will look at things like:
age
gender
your medications
genetics
lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking alcohol
By understanding your risk of osteoporosis – and whether you already have signs of bone loss – you can take early, positive steps to strengthen your bones and protect your overall wellbeing as you age.
At Welbeck, DEXA scans are carried out in our state-of-the-art Imaging & Diagnostics centre using the latest low-radiation technology for fast, accurate results. Your images are reviewed in detail by our expert radiologists, who work closely with your specialist to help you understand your bone health and provide clear, personalised guidance to keep your bones strong and healthy for the future.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
Before your scan, your radiographer will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. On the day of the scan, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal fastenings and remove any jewellery.
During the scan:
you’ll be asked to lie flat on a padded bed
a special machine will pass over your lower spine and hips
the radiographer will stay in the room with you
The test usually takes less than 15 minutes and doesn’t involve being in any confined spaces.
A DEXA scan is a very safe procedure. It uses much lower levels of radiation than standard X-rays – less than 2 days’ worth of exposure to natural background radiation.
There’s usually no special preparation needed for a DEXA scan. You can eat and drink normally and continue taking your usual medications, although you may be asked to avoid calcium supplements on the day of the scan.
Once your scan is complete, you can go straight home or back to work. Your results will be reviewed by a specialist radiologist and sent to your consultant, who will discuss them with you in detail at a follow-up appointment.
Please contact our Imaging & Diagnostics centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our radiographers and radiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a DEXA scan, you must be referred by either your GP or an orthopaedic specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Although a DEXA scan uses low levels of radiation, it’s not normally recommended during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, or think you might be, it’s important to wait until after your pregnancy for a DEXA scan.
Yes, and that’s one of the main benefits of having a DEXA scan. If early bone loss is detected, your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes, supplements, or medication to help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fractures. At Welbeck, our specialists focus on prevention as well as treatment, supporting your long-term bone health and confidence.
A DEXA scan is designed to measure bone density rather than diagnose arthritis or other joint problems. However, it can sometimes show signs of wear and tear in the spine or hips that may suggest arthritis. If needed, your specialist may recommend additional scans, such as an MRI, for a clearer picture.
Yes, in most cases, you can still have a DEXA scan if you have metal implants such as hip replacements or surgical screws. The radiographer will position you carefully to avoid scanning areas that may distort the results. If both hips have been replaced, your spine or forearm may be scanned instead to ensure accurate readings.