Trusted DEXA Bone Density Scan to Protect Your Health
Medical-grade bone density analysis — identify osteoporosis & bone fracture risk in minutes. Located between Guildford and Farnham
What is a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
- DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning is the gold standard in bone density measurements.
- Uses low-dose X-rays to provide a detailed done density assessment for hip & spine.
- Provides precise data to diagnose osteoporosis and other critical bone density issues, such as osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) and conditions linked to brittle or weakened bones.
- Offers early detection to reduce fracture risk and support healthy aging.
Why Choose a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
- Provides precise data to diagnose osteoporosis and other critical bone density issues, such as osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) and conditions linked to brittle or weakened bones.
- Can detect even minor decreases in bone density, enabling early intervention to prevent fractures, slow the progression of osteoporosis, or address conditions like Paget's disease or bone deterioration caused by chronic illnesses or medication.
- Help tailor treatments, such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercises, or medications (e.g., bisphosphonates) to strengthen bones and prevent further loss.
DEXA Bone Density Protocol
- As a CQC-regulated clinic, we conduct a clinical eligibility check before confirming your booking to ensure the scan is justified and aligned with accepted indications.
- We will also confirm there are no contraindications, such as pregnancy or recent imaging with contrast materials, to ensure the scan is both safe and effective.
- Wear fitted athletic clothing or snug underwear. Avoid overly loose or overly tight garments that could distort the scan. A gown can be provided if needed.
- Remove all metal (jewellery, watches, belts, zips/underwire)—it can register as bone and skew results.
- Lie on your back for ~7 minutes while the scanner does a scan of your hip joint and a scan of your spine.
Who Benefits from a DEXA Bone Density Scan
- Peri/Post Menopausal women who want to proect bone health.
- Adults 40+ who want to maintain bone density and track changes as bones naturally lose density with age.
- Athletes who need to monitor bone health under high training loads.
- Individuals at risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) – identify early bone stress and loss
Personalised Results & Insights from your DEXA Bone Density Scan
- As part of your appointment, we will walk you through your results, providing personalised recommendations and actionable steps to help you achieve meaningful improvements.
- Review recommendations for lifestyle changes to prevent or rebuild bone density loss
- Hip joint bone density which is the WHO gold standard — the most reliable site for diagnosing osteoporosis and predicting major fracture risk.
- Spine bone density is vital for detecting early bone loss — changes can appear sooner than at the hip, especially in active adults who maintain strong hip density but may still lose vertebral strength.
- Results will show you against medical cut-offs as well as comparisons to age matched and young 25 Year old averages
START WITH YOUR BASELINE ASSESSMENT
Advanced Body Composition Assessment
Combining the gold standard results of a Dexa Body Composition Scan with the precision 3D measurements of our 3d Infrared Scan. Providing the perfect balance of insight for progress tracking. Tests included:
DEXA Body Composition – 3D Infrared Body Scan
DEXA Body Composition – 3D Infrared Body Scan
Save £29 compared to booking tests individually.
Dexa Body Composition Scan
The DEXA body composition scan is the gold standard for accurately measuring the amount and location of visceral fat, body fat, lean muscle mass, and whole body bone mineral content.
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DEXA Bone Density – Osteoporosis Scan
The DEXA bone density scan is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and assessing bone health. It provides a precise evaluation of bone strength and helps identify risks for conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis before fractures occur.
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DEXA Body & Bone Density Package
Combining DEXA Body Composition with Hip & Spine Bone Density scans for a comprehensive picture of your metabolic and bone health — ideal for longevity-focused clients and women approaching menopause. Tests Included:
DEXA Hip Bone Density
DEXA Spine Bone Density
DEXA Body Composition
DEXA Hip Bone Density
DEXA Spine Bone Density
DEXA Body Composition
Save £119 compared to booking tests individually.
FAQ
How long does a DEXA Bone Density Scan take?
- The total appointment will be about 45 minutes long including check-in, the scan, analysis & report preparation, your consultation.
- The actual scan of both the hip & spine takes approximately 7-10 minutes
How should I prepare for a DEXA Bone Density scan?
- Wear comfortable, tight-fitting clothing without metal (e.g., no zippers or underwire bras).
- Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan.
- Remove all jewellery, belts, and metal objects.
Is a DEXA Bone Density Scan safe?
- Yes, a DEXA Hip & Spine Bone Density scan is extremely safe and uses very low levels of radiation. The amount of radiation exposure from a bone density scan is roughly equivalent to less than half a day of natural background radiation on Earth. A typical dental x-ray exposes you to about 5-10 times more radiation than a DXA scan.
How often should I have a DEXA Bone Desnity Scan
At i-Thrive, we advise based on your results, age, and individual risk profile. Some general rules of thumb are:
- Every 1–2 years if you are over 50 or if you’re being monitored for osteoporosis or risk factors.
- Every 3–5 years if your baseline scan is normal and you’re low-risk.
- More often if you’re on bone health treatment and your doctor wants to track progress.
Can I have a DEXA Bone Density scan if I’m pregnant?
- No, these scans are not recommended for pregnant individuals due to the exposure to X-rays, even at low levels.
Can I have a DEXA Bone Density scan if I have a pacemaker?
- Yes, DXA scanners do not use magnetic fields so they do not interfere with pacemakers. However, it is best to inform us if you have one in advance of the scan.
Can I have a DEXA Bone Density scan if I have metal implants?
Yes – a Bone Desnity scan is still possible and safe with implants.
- If one hip or part of the spine has metal (e.g., replacement, rods, screws), the scanner can measure the other hip, spine, or forearm instead.
- Accuracy: even with metal present, the scan provides a valid baseline and can be used to track changes over time, as long as the same regions are used consistently.
Is there a weight limit for the scan?
- Yes, the weight limit for our model of scanner is 400 lbs (180 kg).
How accurate is a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
DEXA is the most accurate and reliable method for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring bone health.
The scan has a precision error of ~1% or less at the hip and spine on Hologic systems.
That means it can reliably detect even small changes over time.
Results are highly reproducible when the same scanner and regions are used for follow-up scans.
How quickly do I get my DEXA Bone Density Scan Results?
- Unlike many other medical scans & tests, I-thrive provides your results in the same appointment including an in-depth report of findings to help you interpret them and establish your roadmap.
What makes a DEXA Bone Density Scan so accurate compared to other methods?
- DEXA is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the gold standard because it uses low-dose X-ray to directly measure bone density and has a measurement precision of approxiamtely 99% at the hip & spine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
We are committed to transparency and evidence-based practice. Here are some resourced you may find useful.