DXA Scanning
Our service in NHS Grampian
The Grampian Osteoporosis service covers the whole of the Grampian area and also provides mobile scanning for Orkney and Shetland health boards. It forms part of the Grampian Rheumatology Department.
The service consists of DXA scanners based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Dr Gray’s Hospital Elgin and a mobile DXA vehicle. The team supporting the service comprises a Lead Clinician and support medical personnel, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurses, Specialist Radiographers and Administrative staff.
All DXA Referrals should be sent to the main service in Aberdeen.
DXA scans ARE undertaken Face to Face with our Specialist Radiographers.
If appropriate the Bone Clinicians or Osteoporosis Specialist Nurses may wish to have a Metabolic Bone Clinic consultation with individuals about their DXA scan or treatment. The Bone Clinic is undertaken by Near Me Video or Telephone ONLY.
Who requires a DXA scan?
You will have been given an appointment for a DXA bone scan for one of a number of reasons, particularly if you have risk factors that may make it possible that you may have or develop Osteoporosis.
If you meet the referral criteria appropriate the referral will be made by your GP, Hospital doctor and others such as Respiratory or Breast Care Specialist Nurses. A DXA scan is the most reliable, reproducible and accurate method to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and this scan can help assess your future risk of fracture. It also helps identify those who have osteoporosis and those who will benefit from treatment.
A fracture, crack or broken bone especially caused by minimal or low trauma ( including vertebral fractures) over the age of 50 years in both men and women MAY be a first sign of low bone density. A simple DXA scan will indicate if this is the case and along with assessment of your individual risk of fracture.
I am over the age of 50 years and I have had a fracture. Why do I need a DXA scan?
If you are aged 50 and over you may have experienced a low trauma cracked or broken bone, which is also known as a fracture. This fracture occurs with minimal trauma such as from a standing height or less rather than excessive trauma such as a traffic collision or sports injury.
This MAY be a first sign of bone thinning. If this type of fracture occurs we will invite you for a DXA scan as part of our Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) but your GP can also refer you too.
FLS Leaflet:
What is a DXA scan? Is it the same as an Isotope Bone Scan?
DXA stands for Dual Energy X ray Absorptiometry. It is NOT the same as an Isotope Bone Scan.
Specialist Radiographer, patient volunteer and a DXA bone scanner
A DXA scan is a straight forward and safe test. It is silent, does not involve going into any tunnels or having any injections. It is also quick, taking approximately 45 minutes. It does involve a very small dose of radiation which is similar to background radiation or less than one hundredth of a Chest X Ray.
Each scanner is in an individual room and your personal details will be checked and then you will be asked to lie on a couch with your feet and legs in different positions usually resting on a foam block. The scanning occurs while the scanning mechanism, or arm, passes to and fro over the body. You will be asked to keep still for a short time, breathe normally and to try and RELAX.
The bones of the lower spine and hips will be scanned as these are the best sites to assess bone density. Occasionally, a full body scan or scan of the forearm is taken. Sometimes a sideways image is taken of the spine, you will be asked to lie on your side for this to be done.
The procedure is undertaken in exactly the same way in Aberdeen, Elgin or on the Mobile Scanner.
Who undertakes the scan?
In NHS Grampian the DXA scans are performed by Specialised Radiographers who have undertaken specific accredited training in DXA scanning.
Coming for your DXA appointment and things to remember
There are a few things to remember before you come for your scan.
- The Questionnaire
Please complete as fully as possible as this helps with assessing your risk of fracture and BRING IT WITH YOU. It should be sent with your appointment. If you do not have one or require another before your appointment please call: 01224 559970/71
Email: gram.osteoporosis@nhs.scot
The questionnaire is important in helping to determine your individual fracture risk so please complete it as fully as possible before you come and remember to bring it with you on the day of your appointment. Completing it before you come for your scan and bringing it with you will ensure your appointment runs smoothly and on time as appointment times are limited. - Hoists, Aids and Portable Oxygen
HOISTS and Stand Aids are not available.
Piped oxygen is NOT available and you should bring your own portable supply if it is required in the department.
Patients must be able to self transfer onto the DXA scanning table with minimal assistance and be able to lie still for 5 minutes. - What to wear for a DXA
Generally you will be able to stay in your clothes for the scan. However, there are one or two items of clothing that we would like you NOT to wear when you come for your scan. These include:
* Jeans - as they affect the quality of the scan. Normal trousers with a metal zip fastening at the front are fine.
* Clothes with METAL or METAL DECORATION
* We do ask women to remove their bras if underwired.
You will receive a booklet with your appointment which also covers this called Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement (DXA Bone Scan) Information for patients and carers:
* Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Appointment (pdf)
* Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin Appointment (pdf)
What happens after a DXA Scan?
Your fracture assessment risk and the results of your scan will be reported on and sent to the person who referred you, whether it was your GP or a hospital staff member. We ask that you contact them directly after a four week period to discuss the result and if any treatment if required. You should receive a leaflet at the DXA - it is also available by clicking this link (pdf)
Repeat Scans
If there is a recommendation for a future repeat scan then your GP will need to refer you into the service again at the appropriate time.
If you are under the care of the Metabolic Bone Clinic your repeat scan will generally be arranged by us.
If you cannot attend your DXA appointment or wish to change your appointment
As we are sure you can appreciate that due to the pressure on the service for appointments we would appreciate it if you could let us know as soon as possible if you are not able to attend for your appointment by calling 01224 559970/71 or sending an e-mail to gram.osteoporosis@nhs.scot as soon as possible.
We may be able to reassign your appointment to someone else if we have sufficient notice.
Our Mobile Scanner
In NHS Grampian we have a mobile scanning vehicle ‘GO Mobile’.
This is a NHS Grampian service that allows exactly the same type of DXA scanner that we use in our main services to travel to some remote and rural locations and bring the service closer to those areas. These visits are pre-arranged and not suitable for all areas. It forms part of our service and is NOT a screening unit.
The vehicle has a single DXA scanner which is the same type as our services in Aberdeen and Elgin and has an identical mechanism to our other fixed scanners and is operated by our specialist Radiographers. Although there are stairs into the mobile unit, there is a tail lift that moves up and down for those with very limited mobility. The advice regarding questionnaire completion and importance of bringing it with you to your appointment, along with what to wear are exactly the same for a mobile scanner appointment.
This image shows the interior of the mobile vehicle with the DXA scanner:
We look forward to welcoming you to the DXA scanning service.
Further Information and Patient Resources
Published: 19/05/2022 11:40