DEXA Bone Density Scans

At NUVO Health, we offer two types of DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans:

• Bone Density Scans: to assess bone strength and osteoporosis risk
• Body Composition Scans: to measure body fat, lean muscle mass and fat distribution

DEXA scans are safe, painless, non-invasive, and use a very low dose of radiation. Most scans take approximately 10 to 30 minutes.

DEXA Bone Density Scan

Bone health is often silent until a fracture occurs. A DEXA Bone Density Scan is the clinical gold standard for measuring bone mineral density and assessing fracture risk.

The scan provides precise information about bone strength, allowing doctors to:

• Diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia early
• Assess future fracture risk
• Monitor changes in bone density over time
• Evaluate response to osteoporosis treatment

Early detection allows proactive management through lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise, and medical treatment where appropriate.

Who should consider a Bone Density Scan?

Bone density testing is an important part of preventative healthcare. Rather than waiting for a fracture to occur, screening may be recommended for patients at increased risk of osteoporosis.

A Bone Density Scan is commonly recommended for:

• All individuals aged 70 years and over
• Individuals aged 50–69 with risk factors for osteoporosis
• Patients with previous low-trauma or unexplained fractures
• Women who have experienced early menopause
• Patients with coeliac disease or other conditions affecting nutrient absorption
• Individuals with thyroid or parathyroid disorders
• Patients taking long-term corticosteroid medication
• Individuals with low body weight, smoking history, vitamin D deficiency, or significant family history of osteoporosis

The recommended interval for repeat scanning depends on your individual risk profile and initial results. Patients with osteoporosis may require monitoring every 1 – 2 years, while those with stable bone density and lower risk may only require reassessment every 3 – 15 years.

What to expect during your appointment

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons where possible. To ensure accuracy, avoid scheduling your DEXA scan within one week of a barium X-ray study, a nuclear medicine scan or CT scans with contrast. You should also avoid high-dose calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan.

DEXA scans should also be avoided during pregnancy. Please inform our staff if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to your appointment.

During the scan, you will lie comfortably on an open scanning table while the DEXA scanner passes over your body. The procedure is painless and typically takes 10–30 minutes.

Once your scan is complete:

• Bone density scan reports will be sent to your referring GP for interpretation and discussion
• Body composition reports can be provided directly to you

For both scan types, we recommend a follow-up consultation with your GP to review your results, discuss their significance for your long-term health, and develop an appropriate management plan if required.

If you would like to arrange a DEXA scan, please book online or call our Longueville clinic today.