Our DEXA Scan Services
DEXA stands for Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and is a recognised method of measuring bone mineral density.
A DEXA scan uses a very narrow band of low-dose X-rays to examine the lower spine, hip (or forearm) in individuals who may be at risk of osteoporosis.
The results provide a highly accurate assessment of the amount of bone at the site examined.
In addition, DEXA scanning can also provide information on body composition, including fat and lean tissue distribution, which may be helpful for broader
health monitoring and, where appropriate, weight management support.
The scans are quick, safe and painless.
To arrange a private scan, please call 01903 495 881
Clinical indications for a DEXA scan
- ✔Inappropriate fragility (trivial trauma) fracture
- ✔Thyroid disease (hyper or hypo), or treatment with thyroxine (consultant referral)
- ✔Rheumatoid arthritis
- ✔Amenorrhoea or menopause at or before 45 years (including hysterectomy)
- ✔Loss of height of 3 cm (1½ inches) or more
- ✔Strong family history of osteoporosis or fractures
- ✔Low serum vitamin D
- ✔HIV (consultant referral)
- ✔Anorexia or low BMI (kg/m²)
- ✔Current or previous treatment with bisphosphonates or strontium
- ✔Steroid treatment for 3 months or more
- ✔Switching from tamoxifen or starting an aromatase inhibitor
- ✔X-ray findings suggestive of osteoporosis
- ✔Alimentary tract disease (e.g. Crohn’s or coeliac disease – consultant referral)
- ✔Prostate cancer
- ✔Vertebral fracture identified on X-ray
- ✔DEXA requested following FRAX assessment
- ✔Family history of parental hip fracture
DEXA scanning for weight management & body composition
DEXA scanning is increasingly used to support clinically supervised weight management, particularly where understanding body composition is important.
A DEXA scan may be beneficial if you:
- ✔Want a more accurate assessment than weight or BMI alone
- ✔Are starting a medical or clinician-led weight management programme
- ✔Wish to understand your body fat percentage and fat distribution
- ✔Want to monitor fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass
- ✔Are using or considering medication-supported weight loss
- ✔Have seen limited change on the scales but want to assess body composition changes
- ✔Want an objective baseline and follow-up comparison during treatment
DEXA scanning helps to:
- ✔Distinguish fat loss from muscle or water loss
- ✔Assess visceral (abdominal) fat linked to metabolic risk
- ✔Track meaningful progress over time
- ✔Support personalised nutrition, exercise, and treatment planning
DEXA scans at Sussex Medical Chambers
Sussex Medical Chambers can offer DEXA scans with reports returned from our specialist consultants in approximately
5 working days (please call for current reporting times).
Bone health & osteoporosis screening
- ✔Measures bone density and helps assess your risk of osteoporosis
- ✔Can help identify low bone density (osteopenia)
- ✔May support assessment of other bone conditions, such as osteomalacia
Body composition & weight management support
- ✔Provides detailed body composition data (fat and lean tissue distribution)
- ✔Helps track meaningful changes over time beyond the number on the scales
- ✔Useful alongside clinically supervised weight management programmes
What to expect from your scan
The scan is quick, easy and painless. You will lie flat for around 20 minutes while the scanner takes images
of your spine, hip or forearm.
To arrange a private scan, please call 01903 495 881.
Sussex Osteoporosis Clinic- Clive Avenue
Barrington Road, Worthing, BN12 4XJ
SATNAV POSTCODE: BN12 4XJ
Sussex Osteoporosis Clinic- Goring Road
177 Goring Rd, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing BN12 4PA
SATNAV POSTCODE: BN12 4PA
Sussex Osteoporosis Clinic – Brighton
Lower Ground Floor, County Oak Medical Centre, Carden Hill, Brighton, BN1 8DD