DEXA scan in Edinburgh
Written by a UK GP · Updated
We list 1 private DEXA scan provider in and around Edinburgh: it offers bone density scans. The published price is £280. Compare what's included, how quickly you get results and how each clinic is regulated before you book.
DEXA scan clinic in Edinburgh
Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital
EH10 5BT · 2.2 mi from Edinburgh centre
Bone densityPrivate hospital in south Edinburgh run by Nuffield Health, with a diagnostic imaging department that includes DXA alongside X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound. The DXA service measures bone density, usually at the hip and spine, and a self-pay price is published on the hospital's price list.
- From
- £280
- Results
- Usually around 3 weeks
Map of DEXA clinics in Edinburgh
How to choose a DEXA scan in Edinburgh
- Know which scan you want. A bone density scan and a body composition scan answer different questions and are priced differently.
- Compare like with like. Check whether the price includes someone explaining your results, and how quickly the report arrives. Our price guide shows typical UK prices.
- Check the clinic is registered. Independent clinics offering diagnostic scans in Edinburgh are regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and you can look up any clinic on its website.
- Use the same scanner for repeat scans. Results vary slightly between machines, so if you plan to track changes over time, stick with one clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a DEXA scan in Edinburgh?
Bone density scans in Edinburgh start from £280 (median £280 across 1 clinics). Figures use prices published on each clinic's own website.
Do I need a GP referral for a private DEXA scan?
Most private clinics accept self-referral. Because a DEXA scan uses X-rays, UK law (the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations) requires each scan to be justified by a qualified practitioner, so clinics usually ask screening questions before confirming your booking.
Can I get a DEXA scan on the NHS?
NHS bone density scans are arranged by your GP or a specialist when an assessment of your fracture risk suggests one is needed. DEXA body composition scans for fitness or general interest are not usually available on the NHS.
What is the difference between a bone density and a body composition DEXA scan?
Both use the same type of scanner. A bone density scan measures bone mineral density, usually at the hip and lower spine, and reports T- and Z-scores. A body composition scan measures fat, lean tissue and bone across the whole body, often with an estimate of visceral fat.
How long does a DEXA scan take, and is it safe?
You lie still on a padded table for the scan, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The X-ray dose is very low — typically less than a day of natural background radiation. Tell the clinic beforehand if you are or might be pregnant.