What happens during a DEXA scan?

You usually remain dressed if your clothing has no metal that interferes with the image. The technologist positions your body, often placing your legs on a support for a hip or spine image. The scanner arm passes over the area without enclosing your whole body. You need to stay still, but the test does not involve needles or an injection. The resulting measurements are reviewed with your clinical history rather than read in isolation.

Follow the imaging centre's instructions and tell staff about pregnancy, recent contrast imaging, metal implants or difficulty lying flat. Avoid clothing with heavy metal parts and bring earlier results if you have them. Take regular medicines unless your clinician gives different advice. The DEXA Scanner page explains the equipment, while Bone Density Scan covers why the test may be requested.

Contact the imaging centre if pain or limited movement may prevent you from lying safely during the appointment. After the scan, seek prompt assessment for severe new pain, weakness, or an injury from a fall rather than waiting for the report. A low-density result is usually handled through a planned clinical review, where fracture history and medicines help determine the next step. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency may also be relevant to bone-risk discussions.

Ask: Which sites will you scan? Do I need to change anything before arriving? When and how will I receive the report? What does the result mean for my fracture risk? Should I review exercise, nutrition, falls prevention or medicines afterward?