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Bone Mineral Densitometry

The Bone Densitometry Unit (DEXA) has recently relocated to within the James Paget University Hospital building.  When attending for your appointment, you should report to the x-ray department’s reception desk where the reception staff will inform the Dexa Unit that you have arrived.  A member of the staff will then escort you to the Dexa Suite for your scan.  The Suite is a short walk away from the x-ray department on the ground floor of the hospital.

Appointments

If you have been referred by your doctor or a specialist for an examination, they will, in most cases send us your imaging request form directly.  In this instance we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible to arrange a suitable appointment time.

Changing rooms and gowns

You may be required to remove some articles of your clothing and jewellery before your procedure.  Changing rooms and gowns are provided within the department. The Radiographer or Imaging Department Assistant will advise you on which articles of clothing you may need to remove and will provide you with a gown to wear during your procedure.

Consent and Chaperones

Verbal consent for any procedure will be requested prior to your examination taking place.  In some specific cases written consent will also be gained from you.  These consent forms will be explained to you before you are required to sign. 

All patients within the JPUH have a right to a chaperone being present whilst undergoing an examination.  Chaperones will always maintain your privacy and dignity.  If you are having an intimate examination a chaperone will automatically be provided.

Staffing within the Department

Specialist Radiographers are Radiographers who have completed a higher level of education and training to a Post Graduate level in their specialist field.

Radiographers are degree-trained professionals allied to medicine who are responsible for the imaging required.

IDAs (Imaging Department Assistants) assist Radiologists, Radiographers and Nurses throughout the whole of the Radiology Department with patient care.

Further information

Download the 'Bone Density Scan' leaflet.