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Private DEXA Scan

DEXA Scan

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard for measuring bone density and body composition. Essential for osteoporosis screening and athletic performance monitoring.

From £149Results 48 hours20–30 minutesNo GP referral
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About this scan

What is a DEXA Scan?

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) uses two very-low-dose X-ray beams to measure the density of your bones and the composition of your body tissues — distinguishing between bone mineral, fat mass, and lean muscle mass.

A DEXA scan is painless, quick (20 minutes), and produces significantly less radiation than a standard chest X-ray. It is the clinical gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring treatment response, and is increasingly used by athletes and health-conscious individuals to track body composition with unmatched precision.

Key facts

  • Gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis
  • Ultra-low radiation dose — less than a chest X-ray
  • Distinguishes bone, fat and muscle with precision
  • No injection or contrast required
  • Results and T-score within 48 hours
Book DEXA from £149

Indications

Who needs this scan?

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Osteoporosis screening

Women post-menopause, men over 70, long-term steroid use.

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Fracture risk

Family history of osteoporosis, previous fragility fracture.

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Body composition

Athletes tracking muscle gain, fat loss and lean mass ratios.

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Treatment monitoring

Annual check for those on bisphosphonate therapy (Alendronic acid).

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General health check

Proactive bone health assessment from age 40 onwards.

Packages

Choose your package

Bone Density Scan

Lumbar spine and hip — the gold standard osteoporosis test.

  • Spine + hip scan
  • T-score & Z-score
  • Radiologist report within 48h
From £149
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Popular
Body Composition Scan

Precise breakdown of muscle mass, fat mass, and visceral fat.

  • Full body composition scan
  • Fat mass %
  • Lean mass analysis
  • Visceral fat index
From £175
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Bone Density + Body Composition

Comprehensive scan combining both — the complete picture.

  • Spine + hip bone density
  • Full body composition
  • T-score, Z-score & body metrics report
From £249
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Your appointment

What to expect

1
Positioning

You'll lie flat on the scanning table. No injections or enclosed machines — the arm of the scanner passes slowly over your body.

2
Bone density scan

The lumbar spine and hip are the standard sites for osteoporosis assessment. The scan takes around 10 minutes.

3
Body composition (if included)

A full-body scan maps fat mass, lean mass and visceral fat. This adds approximately 5–10 minutes.

4
Report & T-score

Your radiologist report includes your T-score and Z-score, showing bone density compared to peak (young adult) and age-matched references. Delivered within 48 hours.

Before your scan

How to prepare

  • 1
    No fasting required — eat and drink normally before your appointment.
  • 2
    Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan.
  • 3
    Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing — avoid underwired bras and belts.
  • 4
    Inform the team if you have had a contrast CT or nuclear medicine scan within the past 7 days.
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Ready to book?

Book your private dexa scan online in under 5 minutes. No GP referral. Appointments typically within 2–5 days.

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From £149 · Results 48 hours

FAQs

DEXA Scan — common questions

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