Manchester Institute of Health & Performance (MIHP)

Bone density scanning (DEXA or DXA) at Manchester Institute of Health & Performance (MIHP)

  • Overview

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0161 521 9200
Guide price £230

A DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, is a special X-ray procedure that can be used to measure the bone mineral density, in order to assess your risk of breaking a bone. In general, if the density is low, or you lack calcium or vitamin D, then there’s a greater chance of a fracture.

DXAs are often used to help diagnose health problems that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis, or to assess your risk of getting them. They can also be used to detect other bone disorders and conditions, such as osteopenia, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and osteomalacia.

A DXA can also be used to measure your body composition – so it can tell you the percentages of bone, lean muscle and body fat you have, as well as where it’s stored.

What DXA equipment is there?

We use a Lunar iDXA, which is the most advanced equipment with high clarity and accuracy. The machine we have is special because it is large – 7ft, with a scan area of around two metres – which is long enough for basketball players to be scanned.

Who can have a DXA at MIHP?

A DXA scan has to be authorised by a consultant at Nuffield Health. Due to radiation regulations, we can only do body composition scans on elite athletes.

For bone mineral density scans, they’re recommended if you’re over 50, or if you have:

  • broken a bone in the past
  • a health condition like arthritis
  • taken oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or more
  • had an early menopause, or had your ovaries removed before the age of 45, and haven’t had hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • gone through menopause and: smoke or drink heavily; have a family history of hip fractures, or have a body mass index (BMI) or less than 21
  • gaps of more than a year between periods.

What does a DXA scan involve?

A DXA scan is fast, simple and completely painless. The whole procedure should take about 20 minutes. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal buttons, snaps or zips around the waist or hip area.

For the bone mineral density scan you’ll lie flat on your back on a padded table while a machine takes images of your spine, forearms and hips.

For a body composition scan, the machine will sweep over your body from head to toe. This is typically used twice a year, so you can see whether your fat or muscle mass has gone up or down.

When will I get the results of my DXA scan?

The results will be verified by a radiologist and sent to you within a week. A copy of your results will also be sent to your GP, and you may be advised to visit your GP for further management if necessary.

Find out more about Bone density scanning (DEXA or DXA)

FAQs

  • What does my T-score mean?

    A T-score compares your bone density to a healthy young adult. A score between +1 and -1 is normal, -1 to -2.5 means low bone density (osteopenia), and -2.5 or below means osteoporosis.

  • Does a low T-score mean I'll definitely break a bone?

    Not necessarily. Your T-score is only part of the picture, so it's considered alongside a fuller fracture risk assessment. This means some people in the osteoporosis range won't be recommended medicine, while some in the osteopenia range will be.

  • Will I need another scan in future?

    You might, usually every 2 to 5 years, to monitor your bone strength or review any treatment. Because bone density naturally decreases slowly with age, a similar or only slightly lower result at your next scan can actually be a positive outcome.

  • Is the scan painful?

    No. There's no pain, no injections, and you don't go into a tunnel. You just need to lie still while the scanning arm passes over you.

  • Can I have a DEXA scan if I'm pregnant?

    This generally isn't recommended, as with X-rays in general. Let the department know if you're pregnant or think you might be, so your appointment can be rearranged.

  • What's the difference between a DEXA scan and a whole-body bone scan?

    A DEXA scan measures bone density to screen for osteoporosis. A whole-body bone scan is a different test that checks whether a cancer has spread to the bones.

Manchester Institute of Health & Performance (MIHP)

299 Alan Turing Way, Manchester, M11 3BS

0161 521 9200

Sat nav postcode: M11 2AZ

Guide price

Bone Density Scan Fees
Initial consultation from £0
Treatment £230
Pre-assessment Included
Main treatment Included
Post-discharge care Included
Pre-assessment, Main treatment and Post-discharge care £230
Guide price £230
 What does guide price mean?

The guide price stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.  You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a Consultant.

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

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There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

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