A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a fast, low-radiation test that accurately measures bone density, body fat, and lean muscle mass. It’s one of the most reliable ways to understand both your bone health and overall body composition.

What Does a DEXA Scan Show?

The scan primarily assesses bone mineral density in the areas most prone to fracture – usually the hips and spine. At the same time, it provides a detailed breakdown of your body composition, including:

• Total body fat percentage
• Muscle mass distribution
• Visceral fat (the fat stored around your internal organs)
• Bone density scores (T-score and Z-score)

This makes it valuable whether you’re focused on preventing osteoporosis, supporting body composition goals, or tracking progress with training and nutrition.

Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?

While guidelines often recommend DEXA scans for women over 65 and men over 70, earlier screening can be beneficial if you want to stay proactive. At Aura Longevity, we offer DEXA scans to adults of any age when it makes clinical sense – particularly if you have risk factors such as hormonal changes, family history of osteoporosis, or you’re focused on long-term health and wellbeing.

What to Expect During the Scan:

• The test is simple, painless, and usually takes between 10 and 25 minutes. Here’s how it works:
• You’ll lie on a padded table while the scanner arm moves over your body.
• We typically scan your hips and spine. For body composition, we may perform a full-body scan.
• You’ll need to remove any metal objects (jewellery, belts, zippers) and may be asked to change into a gown.

No needles or injections are involved.

Is the Radiation Safe?

Yes. A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of radiation – around 20 micro-sieverts. This is less than a standard chest X-ray and significantly lower than many other imaging tests. It’s considered safe for most people, even with repeat scans over time.

How to Prepare

For the most accurate results, please:

• Avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal
• Inform us if you’ve had a barium test or contrast dye in the past two weeks
• Avoid intense exercise immediately before your appointment

Understanding Your Results

You’ll receive a clear report that includes:

• Bone density scores for your hips and spine
• T-scores and Z-scores (comparing your results to young adults and your age group)
• Full body composition analysis (fat mass, lean mass, visceral fat, and BMI)
• Your doctor at Aura Longevity will review the results with you and explain what they mean for your bone health, body composition, and any recommended next steps.

Benefits of a DEXA Scan

• Quick and completely non-invasive
• No recovery time required
• Very low radiation exposure
• Gold-standard assessment for bone density and detailed body composition
• Provides clear, objective data to guide treatment and lifestyle decisions
• Useful for tracking changes over time

Are There Any Risks?

The radiation dose is minimal, so the risk is very low for most people. If you’re pregnant or think you might be, please let us know before booking so we can advise accordingly. For the vast majority of patients, there are no side effects and you can return to normal activities immediately after the scan.