Your osteoporosis screen
BMI osteoporosis screening uses DEXA scanning to check for signs of osteoporosis. It is one of the most accurate and reliable methods of diagnosing the condition and is a painless and straightforward procedure.
Your osteoporosis screen will be carried out by a trained technician in a BMI hospital. Before undertaking your DEXA scan, your technician can discuss your concerns with you and ask questions about your lifestyle and your medical and family history.
You can stay fully clothed throughout the scan itself, as long as you are not wearing anything with metal at your hips or along the spine (most trouser zips are fine). You will be asked to lie flat on a couch and stay still while the different parts of your body are scanned. The arm of the machine passes slowly over your body during the scan and you should feel no discomfort.
The scan takes just a few minutes for each part of your body, and your whole osteoporosis screening appointment should take 30 to 45 minutes.
The results of your scan will be sent to a consultant within the hospital for evaluation. The consultant will send the results and a written interpretation to your GP together with advice on whether further investigation or treatment is required.
Your GP should receive the report within two weeks of your appointment and, depending on your results, may discuss methods of prevention and treatment with you.
