• There is no preparation required for this examination.
• Please eat and drink normally prior to and after your scan.
• You can continue to take your usual medication.
• Please wear comfortable clothing with no metal fasteners or other metal parts such as an underwire bra.
• For more information on having a DEXA scan please follow the link to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dexa-scan/

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan uses X-ray equipment to measure bone density.

What is a DEXA scan used for?

DEXA scans can assist in looking for signs of fragile bones (osteoporosis) and help assess the risk of developing fractures. If a patient does have osteoporosis a DXA scan can also be used to monitor developments in the condition and effects of treatment.

What to expect during a scan?

Patients are asked to lie face up on a couch and the scanning arm passes over the body sending X-rays through the bones being tested, usually the hip and lower spine. THE SCANNER IS NOT A TUNNEL. The radiographer remains with the patient while the scanning is taking place which takes approximately 15 minutes. There is no contact with the scanner and patients do not feel anything.

After the scan patients can eat and drink normally and will be able to drive home.

When will I get my results?

Patients will not receive their results on the day of the scan. The images will be examined shortly after your visit and a report sent to your Doctor or Consultant, normally within one week.

Risks

DEXA scanning is very safe but it does use a small amount of radiation. Patients who have queries about the procedure should speak to the Radiographer prior to the scan.

All patients between the ages of 12-55 years will be asked if there is any chance of pregnancy before a DEXA examination

Why am I being asked if I may be pregnant?

Your healthcare professional/Doctor has requested a DEXA scan that requires an exposure to radiation.  We have a legal responsibility and professional duty to ensure that we protect individuals from unnecessary exposures to radiation.

It also ensures that specialist Doctors reviewing your images are aware of your registered sex at birth and any natural physical variations you might have in your pelvic anatomy, as this may be relevant to your diagnosis.

Please inform your radiographer if you are aware that you were born with an intersex variation, also known as variations in sex characteristics (VSC) or diverse sex development (DSD).  We acknowledge that you may wish to use a different term when informing the radiographer of this.

What do we do with this information?

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 legally requires us to document that a pregnancy status check has been performed for examinations that may result in a radiation exposure to the pelvis and so we will store an electronic copy of this form in your confidential records.

If you do not wish us to save this form, please let us know.  The form will only be available for the radiographer looking after you today, and the specialist Doctor reviewing your images.