Booking a DEXA scan is often a considered decision. Many people know they want accurate information about their body composition or bone health, but hesitate because they are unsure what the appointment will actually involve. Questions about comfort, safety, timing and results can create unnecessary friction, even when the intent to book is already there.
At Body Measure, DEXA scan appointments are designed to be straightforward, professional and low stress. The process is non-invasive, quick and focused on providing clear, objective information rather than overwhelming detail. From the moment you arrive through to receiving your results, the experience is structured to feel calm and efficient.
This article walks through exactly what happens during a DEXA scan appointment at Body Measure. It explains what to expect before you arrive, what occurs during the scan itself, and how results are handled afterwards. By understanding the process in advance, you can attend your appointment with confidence, knowing there are no surprises or unnecessary complications.
Key Takeaways
- DEXA scan appointments at Body Measure are quick and non-invasive
- The scan itself typically takes only a few minutes
- No referral is required for body composition DEXA scans
- Results are explained clearly, not simply handed over
- Appointments are designed for comfort, privacy and efficiency
- Consistent scanning supports accurate long-term tracking
Summary Table: Your DEXA Scan Appointment at Body Measure
| Stage of Appointment | What Happens | What You Need to Do |
| Arrival and check-in | You are welcomed and prepared for your scan | Arrive on time and remove metal items |
| Scan preparation | Final setup before the scan | Lie comfortably on the scanner table |
| The DEXA scan | The scanner passes over your body without contact | Remain still for a short period |
| Scan duration | The scan is completed | Relax, no action required |
| Results explanation | Your results are reviewed and explained | Ask questions if needed |
| After the appointment | You can resume normal activities | No recovery or restrictions |
Before You Arrive: What to Know Ahead of Time
There is very little you need to do before a DEXA scan appointment at Body Measure. The process is designed to reflect your normal day-to-day body composition rather than an artificially prepared state, so extensive preparation is not required.
Clothing is the main consideration. Light, comfortable clothing without metal components such as zips, buttons or underwire bras is ideal. Metal can interfere with scan readings and may require clothing adjustments on arrival.
You do not need to fast unless you have been specifically advised otherwise. Eating and drinking as you normally would helps ensure your results represent your typical state. Extremely large meals immediately before your appointment are best avoided, but normal intake is appropriate.
Strenuous exercise is best avoided in the 12 to 24 hours before your scan. Heavy training can temporarily influence hydration, muscle inflammation and glycogen levels, which may affect lean mass readings. Light daily activity is fine.
A referral is not required for body composition DEXA scans at Body Measure. These scans are booked privately and are commonly used for health monitoring, fitness tracking and establishing baselines. If you are attending for a bone density assessment, referral requirements may differ depending on the scan type.
If you plan to repeat scans in the future, consistency is more important than perfect preparation. Attending appointments at a similar time of day and under similar conditions supports more reliable comparisons over time.
Understanding these simple expectations helps ensure your appointment runs smoothly and your results are accurate and useful.
Arriving at Body Measure: Check-In and Setup
When you arrive at Body Measure, the check-in process is straightforward and designed to be efficient. Appointments are scheduled to minimise waiting time, so most clients are seen promptly.
You may be asked to confirm a few basic details before the scan begins. At this stage, any remaining metal items such as jewellery, watches or belts will need to be removed. This helps ensure scan accuracy and avoids the need for repeat measurements.
Privacy and comfort are prioritised throughout the appointment. You will be guided through the setup process calmly, with clear instructions so you know exactly what to expect. There is no need to change into medical gowns or special clothing if you are already wearing suitable attire.
Once ready, you will be shown to the DEXA scanning area and asked to lie flat on the scanning table. The setup is simple and takes only a short amount of time before the scan begins.
The check-in and preparation process is designed to feel professional and relaxed, helping first-time clients feel comfortable before the scan itself.
During the DEXA Scan: Step-by-Step
Once you are positioned on the DEXA scanning table, the scan itself is very simple. You will be asked to lie flat and remain still while the scanner operates. The scanning arm moves slowly above your body but does not touch you at any point.
The scan is completely painless. There are no injections, needles or enclosed spaces involved. You can breathe normally throughout and do not need to hold your breath. Most people are surprised by how quiet and unobtrusive the process feels.
A standard DEXA body composition scan takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the scanner captures detailed information about fat mass, lean mass and bone mass, along with how these tissues are distributed throughout the body.
DEXA uses a very low dose of radiation. The exposure level is minimal and comparable to everyday background radiation, which is why DEXA is considered suitable for repeat assessments when tracking changes over time.
Once the scan is complete, you can sit up immediately and continue with your day as normal. There is no recovery time, no after-effects and no restrictions on activity following the appointment.
Understanding how straightforward the scan process is helps many first-time clients feel at ease. The technology is designed to collect accurate data efficiently, without discomfort or disruption.
After the Scan: Understanding Your Results
After your DEXA scan is completed, the focus shifts from measurement to understanding. Rather than being given raw data without context, results at Body Measure are explained clearly so you know what the numbers represent and how they can be used.
Your results outline fat mass, lean mass and bone mass, along with regional distribution across the body. For first-time clients, this information is best viewed as a baseline rather than a judgement. Without previous scans to compare against, the primary value lies in establishing an accurate starting point.
It is common to notice figures that feel unfamiliar or different from expectations. This does not indicate a problem. DEXA measures body composition directly, which often reveals information that scales, mirrors or other tools cannot detect. Understanding this difference helps prevent over-interpretation of a single scan.
Results are most useful when considered in context. Factors such as training history, age, lifestyle and goals all influence body composition. Rather than focusing on individual numbers, the emphasis is placed on how these measurements can be tracked over time under consistent conditions.
Once your results have been reviewed, there is nothing further you need to do. You can return to normal activities immediately, using the information as a reference point for future tracking rather than something that requires immediate action.
What DEXA Can and Cannot Tell You
DEXA scanning provides highly accurate information about body composition, but it is important to understand its scope so results are interpreted correctly.
A DEXA body composition scan can measure fat mass, lean mass and bone mass, along with how these tissues are distributed across the body. It allows changes in fat and muscle to be tracked independently of body weight and provides reliable data for long-term monitoring when scans are repeated under consistent conditions.
DEXA can also estimate visceral fat in the abdominal region, offering insight into internal fat levels that cannot be assessed through appearance, BMI or scales. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding health risk beyond surface-level measures.
However, a DEXA body composition scan does not diagnose medical conditions, assess fitness levels or predict health outcomes on its own. It does not measure strength, cardiovascular fitness, metabolic health or performance. The scan provides objective data, but interpretation should always consider lifestyle, training history and individual context.
It is also important to distinguish bone mass from Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Bone mass is included as part of body composition and reflects overall mineral content. A medical BMD DEXA exam is a separate assessment used to evaluate bone health and fracture risk and follows different clinical protocols.
Understanding what DEXA can and cannot tell you helps ensure results are used constructively. When viewed as a tracking and insight tool rather than a diagnostic label, DEXA provides clarity without creating unnecessary concern.
Common First-Appointment Concerns
It is normal to have questions or uncertainties before a first DEXA scan appointment. Many of the concerns people have are based on unfamiliarity rather than the scan itself.
One common concern is whether the scan will feel awkward or uncomfortable. A DEXA scan is performed fully clothed, without physical contact from the scanner. The process is quiet, private and brief, and most clients find it far less intrusive than expected.
Some people worry about what their results might show. It helps to remember that a first scan is a baseline, not an assessment of success or failure. The purpose is to establish accurate information that can be used for tracking, not to judge or label outcomes.
There is also a misconception that DEXA scans are only for athletes or people pursuing specific fitness goals. In reality, clients attend Body Measure for a wide range of reasons, including general health monitoring, understanding body composition changes, and establishing long-term reference data.
Concerns about radiation exposure are common, but DEXA uses a very low dose of radiation. The exposure level is minimal and comparable to everyday background radiation, which is why DEXA is widely used for repeat assessments.
Finally, some people worry that the appointment will feel rushed or impersonal. At Body Measure, appointments are structured to allow time for explanation and questions, ensuring you leave with clarity rather than uncertainty.
Understanding these common concerns in advance often helps clients attend their appointment feeling more confident and at ease.
Why Consistency and Follow-Up Matter
The real value of a DEXA scan lies in how it is used over time. While a single scan provides a clear snapshot of body composition, consistent follow-up scans allow meaningful trends to emerge. This is what transforms DEXA from a one-off measurement into a reliable tracking tool.
Body composition changes gradually. Fat loss, muscle gain and shifts in fat distribution occur over weeks and months rather than days. Repeating scans under similar conditions makes it possible to see whether these changes are occurring and whether they align with your goals.
Using the same clinic for follow-up scans is important. Consistent equipment, positioning and scanning protocols reduce variability and improve the accuracy of comparisons between scans. This consistency allows changes to reflect real physiological adaptation rather than differences in testing conditions.
Follow-up scans also help avoid over-reacting to short-term fluctuations. Small changes between closely spaced scans can reflect normal variation rather than true progress or regression. When scans are spaced appropriately and performed consistently, patterns become clearer and easier to interpret with confidence.
By focusing on long-term tracking rather than isolated results, DEXA supports informed decision-making and realistic expectations. This approach aligns with how body composition actually changes and helps ensure the data remains useful, reliable and actionable over time.
Final Thoughts
A DEXA scan appointment at Body Measure is designed to be clear, efficient and informative from start to finish. There are no complex preparations, no invasive procedures and no pressure to interpret results on your own. The focus is on providing accurate data in a calm, professional setting so you understand what is being measured and why it matters.
Knowing what to expect before your appointment removes much of the uncertainty that can delay booking. From arrival and scanning through to results explanation, the process is straightforward and respectful of your time and comfort.
Most importantly, a DEXA scan is not about a single number or moment. Its value lies in establishing a reliable baseline and supporting consistent tracking over time. When used this way, DEXA provides clarity that traditional measurements cannot offer.
For those seeking accurate insight into body composition, health monitoring or long-term tracking, understanding the appointment experience helps turn intention into confident action.
FAQs Answered
How long does a DEXA scan appointment at Body Measure take?
A DEXA scan appointment at Body Measure is quick and efficient. The scan itself typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes. Including check-in, setup and explanation of results, most appointments are completed within a short visit without feeling rushed.
Do I need a referral to book a DEXA scan at Body Measure?
A referral is not required for DEXA body composition scans at Body Measure. These scans are booked privately and are commonly used for health monitoring, fitness tracking and establishing a baseline. Medical Bone Mineral Density DEXA exams may have different referral requirements depending on the purpose of the scan.
Is a DEXA scan uncomfortable or invasive?
No. A DEXA scan is non-invasive and painless. The scan is performed fully clothed, with the scanner passing above the body without contact. There are no needles, injections or enclosed spaces involved, and most clients find the process very comfortable.
How quickly do I get my DEXA scan results?
DEXA scan results are available promptly. At Body Measure, results are explained clearly so you understand what the data shows and how it can be used for tracking over time. This ensures you leave your appointment with clarity rather than unanswered questions.
What type of DEXA scans does Body Measure offer?
Body Measure offers DEXA body composition scans that measure fat mass, lean mass and bone mass, along with regional distribution. These scans are designed for health monitoring, fitness tracking and long-term comparison. Medical Bone Mineral Density DEXA exams are a separate assessment and follow different clinical protocols.
Can I return to Body Measure for ongoing DEXA tracking?
Yes. DEXA scanning is particularly valuable when used consistently over time. Body Measure uses standardised schema and scanning protocols to support accurate comparison between visits, making it well-suited for long-term tracking rather than one-off measurements.
