A DEXA scanner uses x-rays to assess the bone mass of a patient. They are used to diagnose or assess a patient’s risk of osteoporosis (a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break) osteopaenia or a normal level of bone density.
At The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, The DEXA (Bone Density) unit is in the Nuclear Medicine Department and at Aintree University Hospital DEXA is based in the Radiology Department.
The scanner will capture the measurements of the hip and the lower spine whilst a patient is laying on the scanner bed.
The scans are performed by a nuclear medicine radiographer and reported by nuclear medicine radiographers and physicians.
If you think you may require any of these investigations please talk to your GP or hospital specialist.
More information
Patients requiring Bone Densitometry services will be referred by a healthcare professional.
Patients will be contacted by the department to arrange their appointment in a timely and flexible manner.
-
Aintree University Hospital
Address: Aintree University Hospital
Lower Lane
Fazakerley
Liverpool
L9 7ALFor maps and other information visit our Getting Here page for Aintree University Hospital
-
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Address: Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Prescot Street
Liverpool
Merseyside
L7 8XPFor maps and other information visit our Getting Here page for Royal Liverpool University Hospital