Key Takeaways: Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
- Extremely Low Radiation: A DEXA scan uses ~0.001 mSv of radiation—10x less than a standard chest X-ray.
- Safer Than Flying: You absorb more background radiation on a flight from London to New York than during a bone density scan.
- The Gold Standard: It is the only medical test clinically proven to diagnose osteoporosis early, preventing life-altering fractures.
- Quick & Painless: The scan takes 10-20 minutes, is non-invasive, and you don’t need to undress completely or enter a tunnel.
Medical Reviewer: Dr. Taher Mahmud, MD, FRCP
Specialty: Consultant Rheumatologist & Osteoporosis Specialist
Date: January 29, 2026
Is a DEXA Scan Safe? The Short Answer is Yes.
One of the most common questions patients ask at the London Osteoporosis Clinic is: “How much radiation will I be exposed to?”
It is a valid concern. However, DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans are incredibly safe. The amount of radiation used is so minimal that it is roughly equivalent to less than one day’s exposure to natural background radiation—the radiation we all absorb simply by living on Earth.
Avoiding a scan due to fear of radiation carries a much higher risk: missing the early signs of osteoporosis and suffering a preventable, life-altering fracture.
Putting the Risk in Perspective: DEXA vs. Real Life
To understand just how low the dose is, we compare it to everyday activities and other medical tests. Radiation is measured in microsieverts (µSv).
| Activity / Source | Approximate Radiation Dose |
|---|---|
| DEXA Scan (Bone Density) | 1-4 µSv |
| Eating a banana (natural potassium) | 0.1 µSv |
| One day of natural background radiation (UK) | 6-7 µSv |
| Dental X-ray | 5-10 µSv |
| Flight from London to New York | 40-80 µSv |
| Chest X-ray | 20-100 µSv |
| Mammogram | 400 µSv |
Who Should Avoid a DEXA Scan?
While safe for the vast majority, there is one key exception according to NHS guidelines:
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or think you might be, you should inform your clinician. While the risk is low, we generally avoid elective radiation during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus.
For everyone else—including those with pacemakers, metal implants, or previous joint replacements—DEXA scans are perfectly safe.
What Happens During the Scan?
Fear of the unknown often contributes to anxiety. A DEXA scan is actually one of the simplest medical tests you will ever undergo:
- No Tunnels: Unlike an MRI, you are not enclosed in a tight tube. You lie on an open bed.
- Keep Your Clothes On: In most cases, you can remain fully dressed (provided you remove metal fasteners, belts, or underwire bras).
- Fast: The scan typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.
- Painless: It is non-invasive. You simply lie still while the scanner arm passes over you.
Why the “Risk” of Not Scanning is Higher
The real danger isn’t the radiation; it is ignorance of your bone health. Osteoporosis is a “silent disease”—you often don’t feel bone loss until a bone breaks.
- 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
- Hip fractures can be life-threatening or lead to permanent loss of independence.
- A DEXA scan is the only way to detect low bone density (Osteopenia) before it becomes Osteoporosis.
Cost & Booking Information
We believe in transparent pricing. A comprehensive DEXA scan at the London Osteoporosis Clinic is a standalone service, or it can be combined with a full consultation.
For current pricing, please visit our Fees & Packages page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a DEXA scan if I have a pacemaker?
Yes. DEXA scans do not use magnetic fields (like MRIs), so they are safe for patients with pacemakers, metal implants, or joint replacements.
How often should I have a scan?
Typically, we recommend a scan every 2 years to monitor changes in bone density and the effectiveness of any treatments. Your consultant may recommend a different schedule based on your specific risk factors.
Is it safe to have a DEXA scan in the same year as other X-rays?
Yes. The radiation dose is so negligible that it does not significantly add to your cumulative yearly exposure risk.
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