What is a Dexa Scan?
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A DEXA scan is used to measure the density of bones. It is mainly used to diagnose osteoporosis (loss of bone material) and to assess your risk of having a fracture. |
What is a DEXA scan and what does it measure?
DEXA stands for 'dual energy x-ray absorptiometry'. It is a test that measures the density of bones. In general, the more dense the bone, the stronger it is, and the less likely it is to break.
How does a DEXA scan work?
A DEXA scan uses low energy x-rays. A machine sends x-rays from two different sources through the bone being tested. Bone blocks a certain amount of the x-rays. The more dense the bone is, the fewer x-rays get through to the detector. By using two different x-ray sources rather than one it greatly improves the accuracy in measuring the bone density.
The amount of x-rays that comes through the bone from each of the two x-ray sources is measured by a detector. This information is sent to a computer which calculates a score of the average density of the bone. A low score indicates that the bone is less dense than it should be, some material of the bone has been lost, and is more prone to fracture.
How is a DEXA scan done?
You lie on your back on a couch and are asked to keep still while an x-ray detector (the 'scanner') comes over the area to be tested. An x-ray machine fires x-rays towards the detector. The bones commonly scanned are the vertebrae (back bones), hip and wrist. (These are the bones that most commonly fracture due to osteoporosis.) The scan is painless and takes 10-15 minutes. You do not need to do any special preparation prior to a DEXA scan.
Who should have a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan may be advised if you are at increased risk of osteoporosis. All wheelchair users have an increased risk of osteoporosis as loadbearing activities are significantly reduced. Osteoporosis usually causes no symptoms at first. However, if you have osteoporosis, you have an increased risk of breaking a bone. If a DEXA scan shows that you have osteoporosis, then you should be given advice and treatment to help strengthen your bones. Load bearing activities and a healthy diet are key components in the treatment of osteoporosis. A DEXA scan may be advised if you are a wheelchair user or have:
- a fracture following a minor fall or injury.
- loss of height due to fracture of a vertebra (back bone).
- taken steroid tablets for three months or more.
- an early menopause (aged less than 45).
- a history of periods stopping (amenorrhoea) for more than one year before the menopause.
- other disorders associated with osteoporosis such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease.
- a family history of hip fracture on your mothers side.
- a body mass index of less than 19. (That is, if you are very underweight.)
How much does a private DEXA Scan cost?
This varies depending on the hospital ranging from £50 to £200 most will ask for a referral from a clinician such as your GP or your consultant. Please inform them about your ability to transfer in advance so that any hoists /transfer boards can be made available in advance.
Where can I get a dexa scan?
Please note that in some cases the hospital will try to take a scan on your arm, we require the scan to be done on your lumbar spine and hip. You may have to alert the hospital of your abilities to transfer in advance to ensure they have the equipment needed to hand.
East Anglia (approx cost £200)
Bone Density Unit
Box 252
Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Addenbrookes Hospital
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Switchboard 01223 245151
www.addenbrookes.org.uk
Direct Dial: 01223 217373
Fax: 01223 217804
West Midlands (approx cost £50)
Bone Density Dept.
Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS trust
New Cross Hospital
Wednesfield Rd
Wolverhampton
WV10 0QP
Switchboard: 01902 307999
Direct Dial: 01902 695496
East Midlands (approx cost £100)
Bone Densitometry Dept.
Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
City Hospital Campus
Hucknall Rd
Nottingham
NG5 1PB
Switchboard: 0115 969 1169
Ext: 56782
London (approx cost £150)
DEXA Scan Dept
Barts & The London NHS Trust
King George V Block
St Bartholomew Hospital
EC1A 7BE
Switchboard: 020 73777000
Direct Dial: 020 76018695
Yorkshire & Humberside (approx cost £120)
Bone Density Dept.
Leeds General Infirmary
Great George Street
Leeds
LS1 3EX
Switchboard: 0113 2432799
Direct Dial: 0113 3923496
South West (approx cost £130)
Osteoporosis Services DEXA scan
Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation
Barrack Rd
Exeter
EX2 5DW
Switchboard: 01392 411611
Direct Dial: 01392 406202
This list is not exhaustive and many other local hospitals conduct this service, if you use another hospital please pass the details onto us and we will ensure our website is updated so that other people may benefit from your experiences.
