DEXA scan in Harpenden
Written by a UK GP · Updated
We list 1 private DEXA scan provider in and around Harpenden: it offers bone density scans and it offers body composition scans. The published price is £200. Compare what's included, how quickly you get results and how each clinic is regulated before you book.
DEXA scan clinic in Harpenden
Harpenden Medical
AL5 1AJ · 1.5 mi from Harpenden centre
Bone densityBody compositionPrivate health and wellness clinic in Harpenden offering DXA body scans on a Hologic system. The scan measures fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral density, and a clinician goes through the results during a 30-minute appointment. Bookings can be made online, by phone or by email.
- From
- £200
- Consultation
- Included
- Scanner
- Hologic DXA
Map of DEXA clinics in Harpenden
How to choose a DEXA scan in Harpenden
- 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 Harpenden are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 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 Harpenden?
Body composition scans start from £200 (median £200 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.