Preparing for Your DEXA Scan at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives
Preparing for your DEXA bone density scan at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. What to wear, avoid and expect. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble.
Do I Need to Prepare for a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
Good news — preparing for a DEXA scan is very straightforward, and most patients need to do very little beforehand.
Key preparation points:
– No fasting required: You can eat, drink, and take your regular medications completely normally on the day of your DEXA scan.
– Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan: High-dose calcium supplements (particularly if taken the morning of your scan) can affect the accuracy of bone density measurements. Do not take your calcium supplement on the morning of the scan, but your regular dietary calcium is not a concern.
– Avoid recent contrast scans: If you have had a nuclear medicine scan, CT scan with contrast, or barium study in the past week or two, let our team know when booking — these can occasionally affect DEXA measurements.
Our friendly team at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives will confirm any specific requirements when you book on (02) 9129 6999.
How Long Does a DEXA Scan Take and Is It Painful?
A DEXA scan is one of the most comfortable and efficient imaging appointments available — most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy the experience is.
What to expect:
– The total appointment, including registration and the scan, takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
– The actual scanning process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the areas being assessed.
– You lie comfortably on a padded scanning table in a gown provided.
– The DEXA arm passes slowly overhead — it does not enclose you and is not claustrophobic.
– The scan is relatively quiet and painless — no injections, no compression, and minimal discomfort from staying still.
– The radiation dose is extremely low — far less than a standard chest X-ray.
– No sedation and no recovery time are required.
You can drive yourself to and from the appointment and return to all normal activities immediately after. Results are reviewed by our specialist radiologist and sent to your GP within 24 to 48 hours.
What to Wear and What Medications to Avoid
Knowing which medications to pause makes your DEXA scan as accurate as possible.
What to wear:
– Comfortable, loose clothing — you will be required to change into a gown provided.
– Remove any jewellery in the scanning area before the scan begins.
Medications to be aware of:
– Calcium supplements: Avoid taking your calcium supplement on the morning of your DEXA scan — take it after your appointment instead.
– All other regular medications can be taken as normal — do not stop any prescribed medication for a DEXA scan.
– If you are on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, continue taking it as prescribed.
If you have any questions about medications or preparation, call Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives on (02) 9129 6999 and our team will be happy to advise.
Medicare Rebate & Referral for DEXA at Epoch St Ives
A DEXA scan at Epoch Medical Imaging is accessible and straightforward to arrange through your GP.
Referral and Medicare:
– A referral from your GP or specialist is required for a Medicare-rebated DEXA scan.
– Medicare provides a rebate for DEXA when specific clinical criteria are met — your GP will assess your eligibility based on your age, risk factors, and clinical history.
– Common eligible indications include age-related assessment (70+), previous low-impact fracture, long-term steroid use, and several other clinical conditions.
How to book:
– Call Epoch Medical Imaging on (02) 9129 6999 or book online.
– Bring your GP referral to your appointment at St Ives Shopping Village, 166 Mona Vale Road.
– We serve patients from St Ives, Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon, Killara, Wahroonga, Lindfield, and across the Upper North Shore.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM