What to expect at a bone density (DEXA) scan

There are lots of reasons why you might be referred for a bone density (DEXA/DXA) scan. This type of scan can help assess how strong your bones are and your and broken bones in the future.

Your bone density scan will happen at a hospital. You can watch a video of what happens on the day here or read on below to find out what to expect.

Step 1

On the day of the scan, you can eat and drink as normal and take all your usual medicines. You'll be asked a few simple questions as you’re getting ready for the scan. If you’re wearing any clothes with metal on - for example, an underwired bra or jeans with a zip -  you may need to change into a hospital gown as metal objects can affect the scan results.

Step 2

Next, you’ll take your shoes off and have your height and weight measured. The scan is usually done by a radiographer, a DEXA technician or a specially trained nurse.

Step 3

You'll usually have two scans, one of the hip and one of the spine. For the hip scan, you’ll lie on your back. The radiographer will explain this and help you get into position. There will be a red light that helps the radiographer line up your hip with the scanner.

Step 4

Once you're in position, the radiographer will move behind a screen and start the scan. It's important to lie still as the DEXA scanner arm slowly moves above you, taking the scan of your hip. You won’t feel anything while the scan is in progress.

Step 5

Next, the radiographer will scan your spine. They’ll ask you to put your legs on a block. There are different sized blocks to suit different people. Again, the DEXA scanner arm will slowly move above you as it takes the scan. It will then be repositioned to take images from different angles. The radiographer may also adjust your position if they can see the angles aren’t quite right. Again, you won’t feel anything while you’re being scanned.

Step 6

That’s it – all done in about 20 minutes. Remember to get up slowly and carefully after you’ve been lying down.

Your results are usually available around three weeks after your scan. The department should tell you what waiting times to expect. You could be given your results via an email, text, letter, phone call or face-to-face meeting with a healthcare professional.

If you have not received your results within the expected time, contact the healthcare professional who referred you to ask if your results are ready.

To understand more about your results, see our bone density scan health information.

If you are recommended an osteoporosis medicine following your scan, our medicine support service, BoneMed Online, can help you manage it effectively. Sign up for free here.

 

Thank you to the Royal United Hospital Bath and volunteers for their support with this content.