DXA Scanning in Cambridge: Coming Soon
DXA scanning is coming soon to Momentm — register your interest below to be notified when appointments become available.
What is a DXA Scan?
DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a precise method for assessing bone density and body composition — the same technology used in hospitals and specialist clinics worldwide, now available directly at our Cambridge centre.
A DXA scan uses two very low-energy X-ray beams to produce precise measurements of bone density, lean muscle mass, and body fat. Unlike general health checks or bathroom scales, DXA gives you a detailed, objective picture of what is happening inside your body — region by region.
The dose of radiation involved is exceptionally small: far less than a standard chest X-ray, and well below what you’d receive on a return flight from London to New York.
Our DXA Services
Bone Health Assessment
Broken bones from minor falls or everyday bumps — known as fragility fractures — are often the first sign that bone density has been quietly declining. A DXA scan gives you and your doctor an objective, accurate picture of your bone density, which is one of the key pieces of information used to assess your risk and decide whether any action is needed.
Our scan measures bone density at the hip and spine — the sites that matter most when it comes to fracture risk. The results don’t give a simple yes or no answer, but they do give your GP or clinician the information they need, alongside other factors about your health history, to assess your individual risk and talk you through your options.
Who should consider a bone health DXA scan?
- Women approaching or post menopause — oestrogen loss accelerates bone thinning and the perimenopausal period is a critical window to establish a baseline
- Women aged 50 and over
- Men aged 60 and over
- Anyone with a family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture
- Those taking long-term corticosteroids or other medications known to affect bone density
- Anyone who has experienced a low-trauma fracture (from a fall at standing height or less). If this applies to you, we recommend discussing your DXA results with your GP or clinician as part of a broader fracture risk review
Body Composition Analysis
Weight alone tells you very little about your health. Two people can have an identical BMI yet have dramatically different amounts of muscle, fat, and bone — each carrying very different health risks. DXA body composition analysis goes far beyond what a scale or BMI calculation can offer.
Our scan provides a precise breakdown of lean muscle mass, total and regional fat mass, bone mineral content, and visceral fat — the fat that accumulates around the internal organs and is most closely associated with metabolic risk, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
Results are presented region by region (arms, legs, and trunk), giving you a genuinely detailed picture of your body and a reliable baseline to track against over time.
Who should consider a body composition DXA scan?
- Those beginning or reviewing a weight management or lifestyle programme
- Anyone wanting to understand their metabolic health beyond what standard tests reveal
- Those monitoring a condition — such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity — where body composition is clinically relevant
- Anyone seeking a comprehensive health baseline as part of a preventative health approach
- Those who have experienced significant weight change (loss or gain) and want to understand what has actually changed
Your Journey with Momentm
Book Your Appointment
Book your appointment through our online portal at a time that suits you. You’ll need a GP or clinician referral — upload it during booking, or ask your GP to submit it through the portal themselves.
Your Appointment
Arrive at our Cambridge clinic, where our team will take you through a brief pre-scan questionnaire. DXA is a simple, comfortable procedure — you remain fully clothed (we’ll ask you to remove metal objects and wear clothing without metal fastenings), lie still on the scanning table, and the whole process takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
There are no injections, no confined spaces, and no preparation required beyond avoiding calcium supplements in the 24 hours before your scan.
Your Results
Your results will be reviewed by our clinical team and shared with you — and your GP or referring clinician if applicable — within 48 hours. Same-day reporting is available for urgent cases. Results are delivered via your personal Momentm health portal, with a full written report.
DXA results are most useful when reviewed alongside your wider health picture, so we always recommend sharing your report with your GP or clinician. They’ll be able to put your findings in context and discuss whether any follow-up is needed.
DXA at Momentm: Safe, Quick and Straightforward
Preparation – No significant preparation is required. Wear comfortable clothing without metal zips, buckles, or fastenings. Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan. Inform us of any recent imaging involving contrast agents (such as CT or barium studies).
During the Scan – You will lie on a padded scanning table while the DXA arm passes over you slowly and quietly. The procedure is entirely painless and non-invasive. Most scans are complete within 15 to 30 minutes.
After the Scan – There is no recovery time. You can drive, return to work, and carry on with your day immediately. Your results will follow within 48 hours.
Safety – DXA uses a very low dose of ionising radiation — significantly lower than a conventional chest X-ray and far below the threshold of any known clinical concern. The procedure is safe for the vast majority of adults. We do not routinely perform DXA on pregnant women; please inform us at the time of booking if this applies to you.
DXA Scanning — Your FAQs
Do I need a referral to book a DXA scan?
Yes. DXA scans require a GP or clinician referral. You can upload yours when booking through our online portal, or ask your GP to submit it through the portal themselves. We’ll then work with your referring clinician to ensure your results reach them promptly.
How should I prepare for my scan?
Preparation is minimal. Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners. Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before your appointment. No fasting is required, and no special diet is needed in advance.
What does a DXA scan actually involve?
You will lie still, fully clothed, on a flat scanning table. A low-energy imaging arm will pass over your body slowly and quietly. The procedure is completely painless and takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the type of scan.
Is DXA scanning safe?
Yes. The radiation dose used in a DXA scan is very low — considerably less than that of a standard chest X-ray. It is considered safe for the vast majority of adults. We do not perform DXA on pregnant women as a precaution; please let us know at the time of booking.
How is DXA different from a BMI calculation?
BMI can’t tell the difference between muscle, fat, and bone — it just uses your height and weight. DXA measures each separately, giving a much more accurate picture of your body composition and health. For bone health, your DXA result is one important piece of information your GP or clinician will use alongside other factors to assess your overall fracture risk.
When will I receive my results?
Results are typically delivered within 48 hours of your scan via your personal Momentm health portal. A full written report is included. We can prioritise urgent cases for same-day reporting.
Can I have a DXA scan if I have metal implants?
Most implants do not prevent you from having a DXA scan, though their presence may affect readings in the immediate area. Please let us know about any implants or previous surgical hardware when you book, and our clinical team will advise accordingly.
How often should I have a DXA scan?
This depends on your individual circumstances. For most people, a baseline scan followed by a repeat every two to five years is appropriate. If you are undergoing treatment for osteoporosis or monitoring a significant change in body composition, your clinician may recommend a different interval. We will include personalised guidance in your results report.
Is DXA covered by private health insurance?
Coverage varies between insurers and policies. We recommend checking with your insurer before booking. We will provide the necessary clinical documentation to support any insurance claim. We also accept self-pay bookings — DXA scanning at Momentm starts from £195.
Book Your DXA Scan
Take a definitive step towards understanding your health.
DXA scanning at Momentm is fast, comfortable, and clinically meaningful — with results in 48 hours.
