What should you know about the DEXA scan process?

A technologist confirms your identity, referral details, medicines, recent imaging, and relevant health information. You may be asked to remove metal items and lie on your back. The scanner moves over the selected areas while you stay still; hip and spine measurements are common, although the exact sites depend on the request.

The machine records how much X-ray energy passes through bone and soft tissue. A radiology or clinical team then interprets the measurements. The report may use terms such as bone mineral density, reference score, or fracture risk, which your clinician should explain in context.

Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners and follow the centre’s instructions about meals and calcium supplements. Tell staff if you may be pregnant, have difficulty lying flat, or use a walking aid. Bring your referral information and a list of medicines, previous fractures, and relevant conditions.

During positioning, speak up if a pose causes pain or strain. After the scan, confirm who will receive the report and when you should arrange a review. Keep the report for comparison if another scan is recommended later.

The scan itself is planned and does not replace assessment of an acute injury. Seek urgent care after a fall causing severe back, hip, or wrist pain, a visible change in shape, or inability to bear weight. Tell the imaging centre before the appointment if pregnancy is possible or your mobility has changed significantly.

Ask which bones will be measured, how to prepare, who interprets the report, and what the result could mean for exercise, nutrition, fall prevention, or medicines. Ask whether a DEXA Scanner appointment or a Bone Density Scan report will be handled by a particular service.