Home
DXA
X-Ray

The Apollo Health Centre
Wartling Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN22 7PF

Tel:
01323 434102

Fax:
01323 434123

Email: info@eastbournehpl.co.uk

Bone Density Scanning for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bones’ a result of this is that the bone becomes more fragile and prone to fracture. We use a scanner to measure the density of the bone; this is known as Dual X-ray Absorptiometry Scan (DXA).

A DXA scan is a painless procedure that utilises a very low radiation dose (approximately one tenth of the dosage received during a chest x-ray) and requires the subject to be positioned on a couch whilst a mechanical arm passes over the body taking an image of the spine and hips.  The DXA scan produces a printout that is assessed by a consultant who provides an ‘expert’ report for your doctor along with treatment recommendations or lifestyle changes such as the adoption of a well balanced calcium rich diet and weight bearing exercises.

Currently 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer a broken bone mainly due to osteoporosis. The guidelines for referral are published on the web site at www.nos.org.uk and your doctor will also know the referral criteria for a scan. If you are not eligible for a scan under the NHS criteria, it is possible to arrange a scan privately and you can receive guidance from our support staff.

DXA Patient questionnaire pdf	Imaging request Form pdf	Bone Densitometry leaflet pdf