Radiology information - PDF document

INFO - PT - DXA - 1 Radiology information Having a Bone Density Scan at the X - ray Department, South Tyrone Hospital This leaflet explains more about having a Bone Density Scan, including the benefits, risks and any alternatives. It also provides information on what you can expect when you come to hospital. If you have any further questions, please speak to the health ca re professional/s caring for you. What is a bone density scan? A bone density scan – sometimes called DEXA or DXA uses low dose X - rays to measure your bone mineral density. It is used to help understand how strong your bones are and how likely you are to have a fragility fracture. A DXA scanner usually scans bones in the lower spine, hip and occasionally the forearm is used. What must I do in preparation? We advise you to avoid wearing clothing containing metal. Items to avoid wearing include underwire bras or hooks, girdles or corsets, metallic buttons, jeans/trousers with zips or studs. We suggest you wear clothing such as jogging bottoms or similar and t - shirt. Alternatively we can provide you with a gown to change into during your appointm ent. If you require a hoist or if there is any possibility you may be pregnant, please contact the appointments department before you attend for the scan on 028 3756 2017. What happens when I arrive? When you arrive please book in at the X - ray Departmen t. This is located next to the Hospital Minor Injury Unit Entrance. You will then be directed to the Bone Density / Scanning Suite. A Radiographer will call you into the scanning room as soon as it is ready for you. What is involved? A DXA scan will tak e between 10 - 20 minutes. The scanner is quite open - you don’t go into a ‘t unnel’ or need an injection. A Radiographer will perform your scan and will be pre sent in the room during it . Before the scan starts your height and weight will be measured in order for the computer to accurately calculate your bone density. You will then be asked to lie on your back with your legs supported on a large cushion while a scanning arm passes over ta king me

asurement of your lower spine. For the hip part of the scan, your leg will be supported to keep it in the correct position. After the scan has been performed you will be free to go home. INFO - PT - DXA - 1 How do I get the results? If you were sent by your GP or hospital specialist, you will not be given the results of you r DXA scan before you go home because they take a little time to interpret. Instead the r esults will be sent to you r GP or hospital specialist. T his usually takes about 2 - 3 weeks but sometimes this can take a little longer. If you were referred via the Fracture Liaison Service, you will usually be seen by a Fracture Liaison Nurse Practitioner immediately after your scan in the Outpatients Department. Should I have further scans in the future t o monitor my progress? It depends on your situation. It is r arely useful to have a scan performed more than every 2 - 3 years because the results are not always accurate or significant until then. If you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to ask any questions either before, during or after the examination. You can ask a member of staff or call us on the following telephone number: Appointment Queries 028 3756 2017 Further information is available from the National Osteoporosis website: www.nos.org.uk Your comments and concerns You can make your comment, suggestion or compliment in the way that best suits you. This can be face to face, on the telephone, in a letter or by email. Corporate Complaints Office Beechfield House Craigavon Area Hospital 68 Lurgan Road Portadown BT63 5QQ Tel: 028 3756 4600 Email: complaints@southerntrust.hscni.net Involving you The Southern Trust radiology wishes to involve the public in the planning, develop ment and evaluation of its services, irrespective of their learning, skills, knowledge and experience. If you would like to register your contact details specifically for radiology, please contact our department 028 37564420 / 028 37564324 / 02837563807 . In doing so we may contact you for telephone surveys and any future face to face activities