How Long Does a Bone Density (BMD) DEXA Scan Take?
If you've been referred for a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) DEXA scan, you may be surprised by how quick and straightforward the appointment is.
Your entire appointment takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Most of this time isn't spent scanning—it's spent confirming your personal details, checking your referral and positioning you correctly on the scanner. Accurate positioning is essential to ensure your scan is as precise as possible and allows for reliable comparison if future scans are needed.
The scans take just 1–2 minutes TOTAL. During this time, the scanner captures highly accurate images of your lower spine and hips using a very low dose of radiation to assess your bone density.
Once your scan is complete, the images are sent to a specialist radiologist for reporting. The report is then provided to your referring doctor, who will discuss your results and any recommended treatment or follow-up with you.
A Bone Density DEXA scan is the gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis. It's quick, painless, non-invasive and provides valuable information to help protect your bone health and reduce your risk of fractures.
