Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a DEXA scan.
Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
A DEXA Scan (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) scan is a special form of imaging that measures bone density. A DEXA scan uses low energy x-rays. The amount of x-rays that comes through the bone from the x ray source is measured by a detector. The computer then assesses this information and applies a score for the average density of bone in the area scanned.
Before your appointment
Please fill in the safety questionnaire included in this letter and bring it with you for your scan. If you have any queries about any of the questions, these can be asked during your appointment before the scan starts.
Please let us know if:
- there is any chance of you being pregnant.
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
If possible, you should avoid wearing clothes with metal on. If you are wearing an
underwired bra you may be asked to remove it for the scan. Belly button jewellery should be removed prior to attending your appointment.
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
Please go to the X-Ray Department by following directions from the main hospital entrance.
On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. All patients from 12-55 years of age (regardless of gender) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area.
The Examination
Your scan will be performed by a Radiographer who will explain the procedure to you and check the answers to your safety questionnaire.
You will be asked to lie on your back on a flat bed.
The x ray detector or scanner will move slowly over you – it is important that you remain still as movement reduces the quality of the scan.
The scanner will move over the area of your spine and hips.
The scan takes approximately 15minutes.
On completion you can get dressed and leave the department.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities.
Results
You will not receive the results of the scan immediately as the images and data obtained need to be carefully analysed. The scans will be sent to your consultant or GP who referred you for analysis, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Risks
X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible.
The amount of radiation used in a DEXA scan is extremely small and the similar to the amount of natural background radiation received every day.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-DEXA.1
Approval date:
10 February 2025
Review date:
10 February 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.