What should you know about a DEXA axial skeleton scan?

You lie on a scanning table while an arm passes over the body. The axial skeleton refers mainly to the spine, pelvis and related central bones; routine bone density testing commonly focuses on the lower spine and hip. The report compares your measurements with reference values and may describe bone density as expected, lower than expected, or consistent with osteoporosis. A result helps a clinician consider fracture risk alongside your age, health history, medicines and previous fractures. It does not show every cause of bone pain and does not predict exactly when a fracture might occur.

Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners if the centre advises this. Tell the imaging team if you might be pregnant, recently had a contrast examination, or cannot lie flat. Follow the centre's instructions about calcium supplements and eating. During the scan, remain still and follow positioning instructions; the test is usually completed while you are awake. Ask when and how the report will be explained, especially if the scan was requested because of a hormone change such as premature ovarian insufficiency.

Contact your clinician promptly after a new fracture, sudden severe back pain, loss of height, or a fall that causes significant pain. Seek urgent help for severe pain with weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms need clinical assessment regardless of when your DEXA appointment is scheduled.

Ask which bones were measured, what your result means for fracture risk, whether medicines or another test are appropriate, and when a repeat assessment should be considered.