A Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) scan measures how much mineral content is stored within your bones, to assess bone health, to look for osteoporosis or osteopenia, and to help estimate your risk of fracture. It is performed on a DEXA scanner, and can be booked online.
What a bone density scan measures
- What it measures: bone mineral density, which is how much mineral content is stored within your bone.
- Why it is done: to assess bone health, to look for osteoporosis or osteopenia, and to help estimate your risk of fracture.
- Which part of your body is scanned: the lower back and a hip, and possibly a forearm if that is needed because of your medical history or your lower back and hip results.
- Who can refer: a GP, or a specialist such as an endocrinologist or rheumatologist.
- Also called: bone densitometry, BMD, bone density test.
How a DEXA scan works
DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. The scanner passes 2 X-ray beams of different energy levels through the body. Bone, fat and lean tissue absorb those beams differently, and the difference between them is what lets the scanner measure each tissue separately.
A DEXA scan is quick, open and non-invasive. There is no tunnel to enter and no injection.
Bone density or body composition: which scan has your doctor asked for?
Bone density and body composition are 2 different scans on the same machine. Your referral names the one your doctor has asked for.
Check your referral before you book. It will name either a bone density scan (sometimes written as bone densitometry or BMD) or a body composition scan.
The 2 scans are booked differently, take different amounts of time and are reported differently, so booking the wrong one means booking again. If your referral is not clear, confirm with the doctor who wrote it before you book.
A body composition scan measures fat mass, lean muscle mass and how they are distributed across your body, rather than the strength of your bones. If that is the scan on your referral, it has its own page: body composition scan.
What happens during a bone density scan
A bone density scan is performed with you lying on an open table. You are not enclosed at any point, and nothing is injected.
You need to stay still while the scan is running.
The table is padded, and the scanning arm passes above you without touching you. You may be asked to hold a still position, or to rest your legs on a support.
How long a bone density scan takes
A bone density scan usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. We suggest allowing 30 minutes at the clinic.
How to prepare
- If you take calcium supplements, withhold them for 24 hours before your scan.
- Wear thin clothing with no metal or dense components on it. We can supply an imaging gown if you would prefer.
- Remove jewellery before your scan, or preferably leave it at home.
- Bring any previous DEXA scans, if they were not performed at a Jones Radiology clinic.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, or think you might be, it is important we are aware before your appointment.
A bone density or body composition scan is not an urgent examination, so we would not recommend either during pregnancy.
Our X-ray dose information page explains how Jones Radiology handles imaging during pregnancy in full.
Some tests need to be completed before a DEXA scan can give an accurate result, because injected or ingested media interferes with the measurement. Please tell us at the time of booking if you have recently had any of the following.
- A barium study. Allow 1 week before a DEXA scan.
- A contrast study, such as an X-ray, CT or MRI using dye. Allow 48 hours.
- A nuclear medicine injection. Allow 48 hours, although some nuclear medicine injections need 1 to 2 weeks.
Our scanners have a weight limit of 227kg.
Radiation and safety
A DEXA scan uses very low dose X-rays. Nothing is injected, and nothing remains in the body afterwards.
The maximum X-ray dose you receive is the equivalent of 1 day of natural background exposure.
Where to have a bone density scan in South Australia
Every address, opening hours and parking detail is on our clinic locations page.
Bone density scans are performed at Alice Springs, Burnside, Gawler, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker, Port Augusta, Prospect, and 337 South Terrace in Adelaide.
Booking a bone density scan online
You can book a bone density scan online, in 3 steps.
- Choose your scan and your clinic.
- Pick a time that suits you.
- Upload your referral. A clear photo taken on your phone or a PDF both work.
Online booking does not cover every appointment. Please call 1800 375 663 instead if your appointment is at our Alice Springs clinic, or if you are a patient of another healthcare facility such as a nursing home, aged care residence or external hospital. Those appointments are arranged directly with the facility.
If you have already booked and only need to send your paperwork, use Upload a Referral.
Referrals and fees
Imaging is performed on referral from your doctor, specialist or other eligible health practitioner. A referral is required for a bone density scan.
Fees depend on the examination, your referral and your eligibility for a Medicare rebate. Current information is set out on our Payment and Fees page.
Your results
Your images are reported by a Jones Radiology subspecialist radiologist, so your scan is read by a radiologist working in the relevant area of imaging. The report goes to the doctor who referred you, who will discuss the findings with you.
You can also view your own reports through the Patient portal.
Why patients choose Jones Radiology
Jones Radiology is 100% South Australian doctor owned and operated. Every study is reported by a subspecialist radiologist rather than a generalist. We have clinics across metropolitan Adelaide, regional South Australia and Alice Springs.
Bone Density FAQs
Is a DEXA scan the same as a bone density scan?
A bone density scan is a DEXA scan, but not every DEXA scan is a bone density scan. DEXA is the technology. Bone density and body composition are the 2 studies performed with it.
Does a bone density scan hurt?
No. Nothing enters the body and nothing presses on you. You lie still on an open table while the scanning arm passes above you.
Do I need a referral for a bone density scan?
Yes – a bone density scan needs a referral.
How often should I have a bone density scan?
That is a decision for your referring practitioner, and it depends on your results and your circumstances.
Can I have a bone density scan and a body composition scan at the same visit?
Yes – both scans need to be clearly requested, either on 1 referral or on 2 separate referrals.
What is the difference between a bone density scan and a nuclear medicine bone scan?
A DEXA scan measures how dense your bones are. A nuclear medicine bone scan looks for areas of abnormal activity in bone, and is a different examination to answer a different medical question.
Can I have a bone density scan if I have had a hip or knee replacement?
Joint replacements, spinal hardware after surgery, or a recent fracture can affect the result. For a bone density scan we simply scan other available sites.
Are you ready to make your Bone Density Scan appointment?
Our online booking platform allows you to quickly and easily make an appointment online.
