Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Scanning
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) is a type of low dose x-ray scan that provides precise and detailed measurements of bone density and body composition.
We offer two types of scans:
- Bone Density Scan – DXA is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD), making the diagnosis of osteoporosis, and for monitoring changes in BMD over time.
- Body Composition Scan – DXA provides precise and accurate data on fat tissue mass, lean tissue mass, and on bone mineral density. The report will show a regional breakdown of results (trunk, arms, legs, pelvis and android/gynoid regions).
We recommend booking a nutrition consultation to accompany your body composition assessment.
A DXA scan takes 10 -20 minutes. The scan involves lying on your back on a firm couch while a scanning arm passes over your body taking an image of the area being scanned.
As with x-rays, bone density scans use radiation. The level of radiation for a body composition scan is extremely low, about the same as what you are exposed to from a few days’ natural background radiation. For the scan you will need to wear minimal clothing and remove all metal and jewellery, so please bring a vest and shorts that you are happy to wear for the scan with no metal zips, clips, or fastenings.
For body composition scans: You need to fast (do not eat) for at least four hours before the scan and be normally hydrated with water. That way, you will not have a big meal in your stomach, which could affect the results. Also, please do not do heavy exercise, like a big run or a heavy workout prior to the scan. You should take all your medications as normal. You will need to empty your bladder directly before the scan.
Who should have a bone density scan?
You can self-refer for a bone density scan if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Women aged 65 and older
- For menopausal or post-menopausal women younger than age 65 if they have a risk factor for low bone mass such as:
- Low body weight
- Prior fracture
- High risk medication use
- Disease or condition associated with bone loss
- Men aged 70 and older
- For men < 70 years of age a bone density test is indicated if they have a risk factor for low bone mass such as:
- Low body weight
- Prior fracture
- High risk medication use
- Disease or condition associated with bone loss
- If you wish to have your bone density checked for any other reason, please discuss this with your doctor/GP and ask them to write a referral letter
Who should have a body composition scan?
- High Performance and Recreational Athletes – Scan results provide the information needed to adjust training and dietary needs.
- Muscle Weakness or Injury – Results will provide information to aid recovery.
You should not have a DXA scan if you are:
- Pregnant
- Weight over 227kg
- Have had an X-ray examination using contrast dye recently
- £150 per single DXA scan (Bone Density or Body Composition Assessment)
- £250 for two scans (Bone Density and Body Composition Assessment)
Book your assessment
If you have any questions please contact us at marina.alexander@leedsbeckett.ac.uk , if not please book your bone density or body composition assessment.
gallery
work with industry experts
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Professor Rowena Johnson
Consultant Radiologist MB ChB FRCRConsultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist with expertise in diagnostic imaging and image guided treatments of elite athletes. She works with numerous international athletes and clubs including within the Premier League, Championship football and British Olympic team.
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Marina Alexander
Marina Alexander is a HCPC registered radiographer and CQC manager. Marina has many years of experience in the NHS and private sector as a radiographer and an applications specialist. She is responsible for the provision of the University’s clinical DXA Service and supporting DXA research.
-
![Dr Matthew Barlow staff profile image]()
Dr Matthew Barlow
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of SportDr Matt Barlow is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Physiology. He is actively involved in research and consultancy relating to body composition and bone density. He has provided services to a wide range of individuals from everyday people to those performing at the highest levels in a wide range of sports.
work with industry experts
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Professor Rowena Johnson
Consultant Radiologist MB ChB FRCRConsultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist with expertise in diagnostic imaging and image guided treatments of elite athletes. She works with numerous international athletes and clubs including within the Premier League, Championship football and British Olympic team.
-
![Leeds Beckett Logo]()
Marina Alexander
Marina Alexander is a HCPC registered radiographer and CQC manager. Marina has many years of experience in the NHS and private sector as a radiographer and an applications specialist. She is responsible for the provision of the University’s clinical DXA Service and supporting DXA research.
-
![Dr Matthew Barlow staff profile image]()
Dr Matthew Barlow
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of SportDr Matt Barlow is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Physiology. He is actively involved in research and consultancy relating to body composition and bone density. He has provided services to a wide range of individuals from everyday people to those performing at the highest levels in a wide range of sports.
Contact us
Email us with any questions you might have.
