DEXA
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Candover has a dedicated DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) scanner.
Types of Scan Available
Bone Mineral Density
This is the most common scan performed by a DEXA, used to help assess bone health. The scan measures the density of bones, usually of the spine, hip or forearm. The results of the scan are typically reported as a T-score, this is compared to an individual’s bone density of a healthy 30- year old. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis or to assess risk of fracture. Our Consultant Rheumatologists offer a Bone Health service, click here for more information on this service.
Body Composition Scan
This type of scan is used to measure the amount of lean mass (muscle) and fat mass in the body. Often it will be used to assess overall body fat percentage and to monitor changes in body composition. Typically this would be useful for athletes or individuals undergoing weight management programs.
What is a Body Composition DEXA scan?
A body composition DEXA scan is a quick, non-invasive imaging test that provides a detailed analysis of your body composition. Unlike standard scales or BMI measurements, a DEXA scan measures:
- Body fat percentage
- Lean muscle mass
- Visceral fat (fat stored around the abdominal organs)
- Regional body composition (arms, legs, trunk)
- Bone mineral content
This provides a much more accurate picture of your overall health, fitness, and body composition than weight alone.
Why might you choose a body composition DEXA scan?
You may wish to self-refer for a body composition scan if you are:
- Monitoring progress during a weight loss or fitness programme
- Tracking muscle gain or fat loss
- Assessing changes following lifestyle interventions such as diet or exercise
- Interested in understanding your visceral fat levels, which are associated with increased risk of metabolic disease
- Working with a personal trainer, nutritionist, physiotherapist or doctor
- Establishing a baseline measurement for long-term health monitoring
- Recovering from injury or illness and monitoring body composition changes
A DEXA scan can provide objective measurements to help guide health, fitness and lifestyle decisions.
Important information before booking:
A body composition DEXA scan is intended for health, fitness and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic medical test and should not replace medical advice from your GP or healthcare professional. Our clinicians will review all self-referral requests prior to scanning to ensure the scan is appropriate, and justified. You should not book this scan if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, as the scan uses a small amount of ionising radiation.
A body composition DEXA scan uses a very low dose of ionising radiation.
- The typical effective dose from a body composition DEXA scan is approximately 0.003-0.01 mSv (depending on body size and scan protocol)
- This is equivalent to approximately less than 1 to 3 days of natural background radiation in the UK
For comparison
- A chest X-ray is approximately 0.02 mSv
- A CT scan can range from 2-10 mSv or more
The radiation dose from a DEXA scan is therefore considered extremely low. The benefits of obtaining detailed body composition information should outweigh the very small radiator risk before proceeding.
What happens after the scan?
Following your scan, you will receive:
- A body composition report summarising your results
- Breakdown of body fat, lean mass and visceral measurements
- Results that can be used for comparison with future scans
Please note that interpretation of results in relation to medical conditions should be discussed with your GP or healthcare professional.
Arranging a body composition DEXA scan
Contact our enquiry team with your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Contact telephone number
Our enquiry team will provide you with the next steps.