Find answers to frequently asked questions about what to expect from your DXA scan; including how it works, why it’s done, and how the results help assess your bone health.

May I bring a friend or relative with me?

Yes you can although they will not be permitted to enter the scanning room as this is a controlled radiation area. If you require assistance there will be a Health Care Assistant (HCA) available to help.

Will I receive the results of the scan straight away?

The results of the scan will be reviewed by a consultant and sent to your GP, and you can discuss the scan with the Radiographer.

What do I need to wear?

Loose clothing without zips if possible and avoid wearing jewellery.

Can I eat and drink prior to my appointment and scan?

Yes you may eat and drink as normal.

How long is my appointment?

The whole process takes approximately 20 minutes.

Are there any risks in having a DXA scan?

There are no known risks with the scan that uses a very low radiation dose, however if you are or suspect that you might be pregnant, you must inform the Radiographer immediately.

Will I feel any sensations?

No the scan is non-invasive or painful and requires that you lie down on a couch.

Will I be going into a tunnel?

No the scanner is open with a small arm that moves above you.

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What is a DXA scan?

A DXA (Dual X-ray absorptiometry) is a technique for scanning bone and measuring bone mineral density (BMD) using low dose radiation.

Ultrasound FAQs:

Find answers to frequently asked questions about your ultrasound scan; how it works, how to prepare, what to expect, and how the results are used.

May I bring a friend or relative with me?

Yes you can although they will not be permitted to enter the scanning room. If you require assistance there will be a Health Care Assistant (HCA) available to help and if you prefer to have someone with you please request a Chaperone.

Will I receive the results of the scan straight away?

The results of the scan will be analysed by the Sonographer and if necessary by a consultant and sent to your GP, and you can discuss the scan with the Sonographer.

What do I need to wear?

Loose clothing as the sonographer will need to have unrestricted access.

Can I eat and drink prior to my appointment and scan?

Depending on the body part to be scanned, instructions will be given at the time of your appointment confirmation; this could be a full bladder or fasting.

How long is my appointment?

The whole process takes approximately 20 minutes per body part scanned.

Are there any risks in having an Ultrasound scan?

For a standard diagnostic ultrasound scan there are no known harmful effects.

Will I feel any sensations?

Ultrasound scans are straight forward procedures, they are generally non-invasive (unless receiving an internal scan) and are not painful. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined.

Will I be going into a tunnel?

No the scanning procedure is a handheld transducer that the Sonographer holds against the body to obtain the required image that is displayed and captured by a computer system.

What is an Ultrasound scan ?

It is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. The frequency is higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing.

X-Ray FAQs:

Find answers to frequently asked questions about what to expect from your X-ray scan; how it works, why it’s needed, and how results support your diagnosis.

Will I be alone in the room?

Once the Radiographer is happy with your position, they will stand behind a lead lined screen that has special glass to protect them from constant radiation, they can see you and communicate with you as normal. This is where the control panel that is used to control the system is located.

May I bring a friend or relative with me?

Yes you can although they will not be permitted to enter the X-ray area that is strictly controlled due to radiation rules. If you require assistance to get changed or you require assistance to get on or off of the X-ray table a Health Care Assistant (HCA) is there to assist.

Are there any after effects from receiving an X-ray?

You will not experience any effects from a standard X-ray and you can resume your normal activity straight away.

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Are there any risks associated with X-ray?

The radiation dose is controlled for the images required, the amount of radiation you are exposed to during an X-ray depends on the tissue, organ or bone being examined and this area will be exposed to a low level of radiation for a fraction of a second.

You must inform the Radiographer if you are or could possibly be pregnant as X-ray imaging is not usually recommended unless in an emergency.

Will I receive the results of the X-ray straight away?

The X-ray image will be checked by the Radiographer to ensure that the image is a clear view and not blurred, this will then be viewed by a consultant for expert opinion and the findings will be sent to your GP.

What do I need to wear?

For most images you will be required to change into a gown, which is provided, avoid wearing jewellery, as this must be removed prior to your X-ray.

Can I eat and drink prior to my appointment and scan?

Yes you may eat and drink as normal unless you are informed of any special preparation when your appointment is confirmed.

How long is my appointment ?

The whole process takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes depending on the body part to be imaged, it is very important that you remain still during the X-ray (a few seconds at the most) to avoid blurring of the image.

Will I feel any sensations?

No the X-ray is non-invasive or painful and is not visible.

Will I be going into a tunnel?

No depending on the image requested you will either stand or lie down on a couch with the X-ray arm positioned against you to obtain the correct image.

What is an X-ray?

X–rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X–ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body using ionizing radiation to generate images of the body.

Need further advice?

Our team is always happy to answer your questions or offer further guidance. Head over to our contact page for further support.

EHP is an established healthcare provider and NHS partnering organisation contracted to deliver clinical imaging services on behalf of the NHS providing “Direct Access” diagnostic imaging across East Sussex.