01246 277 271
For most patients, we will scan one hip and the lumbar spine region. A third scan of the forearm may also be required, but this will be for a minority of patients. We scan the hip, spine and forearm because this is where osteoporotic fractures frequently occur.
There is 1 DEXA scanner at the Chesterfield Royal Site that is open for pre-booked appointments Monday to Friday.
There is no preparation needed for this scan. Please try to wear clothing without zips, buttons or metal (wired bras, buckles, studs, toggles, sequins etc), if possible. This means we will be able to scan you in your clothes, if not we can offer you a gown to get changed.
Please ensure you bring your completed questionnaire that was posted with your appointment letter as well as an up-to-date prescription.
During your appointment, we will measure your height and weight. We will go through your completed questionnaire with you.
If you require a family member to stay with you, please inform the Dexa imaging staff. The scan involves lying on a scanner bed, with a scanner arm passing above you, which will not touch you. There will be no tunnels or injections.
Our appointment times used to be 30 minutes; however, our appointment times have altered. The appointment time is now 20 minutes. If you feel you require longer than 20 minutes, please don’t hesitate to inform us. We will ensure you are offered a double appointment slot.
The radiographer or assistant practitioner will not be able to give you your results. The scan will be reported by a qualified member of staff and the results sent to the healthcare professional that referred you for the scan.
A DEXA scan is a very safe test. It involves a radiation dose which is similar to natural background radiation. This is less than one-eighth of the dose of a chest x-ray.