Attending for a DXA (Bone Density) Scan

Introduction

You are receiving this information because you have been referred to CUH for a DXA (Bone Density) scan.

What is a DXA scan?

A Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan is a low dose X-ray scan used to measure the density of your bones. Your hip and lower spine will usually be measured and occasionally your forearm depending on your medical condition. You will be required to lie flat for around 10-15 minutes while the scanner moves over you. DXA scanning uses an open scanner, it is not enclosed. In order for the scan to be precise, a recent height and weight measurement is required; these will be performed at the beginning of the examination where possible.

How long will I be in the department?

You will usually only be in the department for 20 - 30minutes, depending on waiting time and also your mobility.

What to do when you arrive

On arrival, please report to the Ultrasound Reception desk, on Level 3, where you will be checked in and directed round to DXA scanning.

Staff you are likely to meet

There will usually be one member of staff present for your scan. This will either be a Bone Densitometrist, an Assistant Practitioner or a Radiographer.

Preparation for procedure / examination

There is no particular preparation for a DXA scan however, please contact us in advance of your scan, on 01223 216490, if:

• You are or think you may be pregnant.
• You have had a barium x-ray in the 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
• You have had a CT scan involving a drink of contrast in the 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
• You have had a Nuclear Medicine scan (injection of radiation) in the 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
• You cannot get onto or lie flat on a scanner couch/table for about 15 minutes.
• You have hip replacements in both hips.

Benefits

DXA scans provide doctors with information to help them assess your bone mineral density (BMD). The examinations may help to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis of osteoporosis, or occasionally identify a condition that was not suspected.

Risks

You have been referred for a DXA scan to help make a diagnosis or monitor your treatment. A specialist in radiology agrees that this is the best test to answer the clinical question that has been asked and that the benefit of the examination is greater than the risk. The x-ray involves a very low dose of ionising radiation equivalent to a few days or weeks of natural background radiation which we are all exposed to every day. Ionising radiation can cause cell damage that may turn cancerous however the risk of this happening from your examination is considered minimal. The dose delivered will be kept as low as is practicable.

What will happen on the day of my procedure / examination?

Please wear clothing without any metal (zips, hooks and eyes) if possible and then it is not usually necessary to get changed. Metal can interfere with the scan reading so gowns are available if required.

Accessibility requirements

If you require support for your appointment, e.g. if you find it hard to hear, see or be understood by others, please let the receptionist or healthcare professional know on arrival or contact CUH Accessibility by email or telephone: 01223 256998.

Pregnancy status

We have a legal responsibility to enquire if you are pregnant. Any patient aged between 12-55 years will be asked if there is a possibility they could be pregnant. This is important for us to know before you have your examination involving ionising radiation. You can discuss this with a healthcare professional in private if you wish.

Can I bring someone with me?

Those accompanying you may be required to stay out of the examination room during the procedure and remain in the waiting area.

Childcare whilst in department

Staff are unable to look after or supervise children whilst your procedure/examination is taking place. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children whilst you attend for your procedure/examination. If you attend an appointment with children with no one to look after them whilst you have your examination/procedure, then your appointment will unfortunately have to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Personal belongings

All personal belongings can be taken into the DXA scanning room with you.

What happens after my procedure/examination?

Once you have had your DXA scan you are free to leave the department. The results, once available, will be sent to your referring clinician.

Possible side effects and additional aftercare

There are no side effects of a DXA scan.

How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?

Imaging examinations are reported in order of clinical priority to ensure those with the highest urgency are reported first.

Your referring team or clinician will be responsible for communicating reports back to you.

Test results are made available via MyChart but there is a 3 week delay from when an examination has been reported to when it is available on MyChart, in order to allow time for your clinical team to be able to see and action the results prior to them being released to the individual patient.

Are there any alternative tests?

DXA scanning is currently the gold standard for radiographic diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Follow-up scans

You may be invited for a follow up DXA scan in the future (timing of this will be dependent on your medical condition), however this will be no sooner than two years due to bone density changing slowly over time. Ideally, follow-up DXA scans should be performed on the same DXA machine as bone density measurements obtained on different DXA equipment cannot be directly compared.

Facilities available

• Disabled toilet opposite scanning room.
• Changing area inside scanning room.

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Key functions:

• Screen reader – option for all information on the website to be read aloud.
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• Reading aids – including a screen mask (tint) and magnifier to help make the information more accessible for all.

Directions to the department

The DXA Department is located on Level 3, at the Outpatients end of the hospital, and is accessed via the Ultrasound department. Please check in at the Ultrasound reception where you will then be directed to follow the signs through the department to ‘DXA Scanning’.

The nearest bus stop is either Outpatients or the main Addenbrooke’s bus station. The nearest car park is Car Park 1.

Question, concern or complaint?

Firstly speak to your nurse, doctor or other staff member as soon as you can so they can do their best to put things right straightaway.

If you don’t feel able to speak directly to the people caring for you, contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS).

• Call 01223 216756, 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
• email PALS
• Complete our online form

PALS is open every weekday, and you can leave a message in the evenings and at weekends.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device.

More information is available on our website: My Chart

Contacts further information

The DXA Administrative Team work Monday to Friday 8.00 -16.00hrs and are available on telephone number: 01223 216490.

For further information please see:

• DXA scanning | CUH (opens in a new tab)
• Royal Osteoporosis Society - Better Bone Health for Everybody (opens in a new tab)

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.