DXA scanning uses very low dose Ionising Radiation to check the strength of your bones and calculate your Bone Mineral Density. In turn, we can also calculate your likelihood of sustaining fractures in the future.
Patients may be referred to us for a variety of reasons such as breaking a bone after falling from standing height or less, perhaps due to the medications they may take or even an underlying condition.
How should I prepare?
To be prepared for a DXA scan we ask our patients to wear loose fitting clothing without zips, buttons or any metal but more information can be found in our patient information booklet which will come with your appointment. When you come to our department, you will be asked to bring a Bone health questionnaire along with you. These are posted out along with your appointment letter but you can submit an electronic version which you can find at the top of this web page. This helps the radiographer calculate your likelihood of having additional fractures in the future.
I have mobility issues/ I am worried about having my scan?
Whilst some patients can gain access to bone preservation medications without a DXA scan, we would recommend patients who may have concerns or mobility issues to contact us prior to the procedure so we can ensure we are suitably prepared for you arrival and equipped to perform the examination. Please call us and leave a voicemail message with your full name and date of birth and we will call you back.
What happens during my appointment?
When you come into the room- you will be greeted by a Radiographers and a Clinical Support Worker. Together they will go over your bone health questionnaire and take both your weight and height. You will then be asked to lie on your back on the scan table. This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. We routinely scan patients Hips, Spine and occasionally Wrists as these areas allow us an insight into the Bone Mineral Density throughout the body.
Where can I find the DXA service?
As of November 20th 2023 DXA scans will be performed at Falkirk Community Hospital. We occupy Hut 3 at the back of the Falkirk Community Hospital Campus. We advise our patients to enter via the Majors Loan entrance NOT the main hospital entrance. Please see the Map below:
Address
Hut 3
Falkirk Community Hospital
Westburn Avenue
Falkirk
FK1 5QE
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
Phone: 07901 102 724
Email: FV.DXAscanning@nhs.scot
Waiting for a DXA scan and Cancellation appointments
Unfortunately we have a very long list of patients waiting on a DXA scan. Please be assured that we are making every effort to offer additional appointments and scanning sessions. If you have been waiting over 10 months for an appointment and you are happy to accept a late notice cancellation. Please email the team FV.DXAscanning@nhs.scot
Useful Links
Royal Osteoporosis Society – Better Bone Health for Everybody (theros.org.uk)
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