This is a relatively straightforward test and you can go straight home afterwards or as soon as you feel comfortable. We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you'll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team. You will be awake during the procedure but will also have to stay still. Having this scan can identify the problem before it becomes worse so treatment can begin quickly.ĭEXA scans are carried out as an outpatient procedure in the imaging or radiology department and usually take 10 to 15 minutes. (source: British Nutrition Foundation)Ī DEXA scan is a very safe, quick and painless procedure but isn’t suitable for pregnant women due to the level of radiation. If you develop osteoporosis, it can become very painful and limit you're what you are able to do physically and socially. taken steroid tablets for three months or more.a medical condition associated with osteoporosis such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease.If you are male, you might be advised to have a scan if you have: are under 45 and have a hysterectomy or early menopause.have taken steroid tablets for three months or more.have a history of periods stopping for more than one year before the menopause.have a family history of hip fracture on your mother’s side.have broken a bone after a minor bump or fall.If you are female, you might be advised to have a DEXA scan if you: Osteoporosis affects men and women of all ages, but is more common in older post-menopausal women because their oestrogen declines after the menopause, resulting in a decrease in bone density.