A bone mineral density scan is used to measure the density of bones. It is often known as a BMD scan or a DEXA scan.

About this service

A bone mineral density scan is used to detect osteoporosis, a condition in which the bone mineral levels are depleted. This may lead to an increased risk of fractures. The measurements from the scan are compared to a normal population database. BMD scans use a very low amount of radiation.

Who we care for

Our services are available for children and adults with a referral from their GP or specialist.

Certain scans that meet the Medicare eligibility criteria are bulk billed if you have a Medicare card. If your scan does not meet this criteria you will have to pay an out of pocket fee.

How to access this service

You need a referral from your specialist or GP to access this service. Your doctor may choose to contact us directly.

We will contact you to book your scan once we have received your referral.

The Nuclear Medicine, PET and BMD Department is open from 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

You, or your referrer can send us your referral by:

• Fax: (02) 6514 2494 or (02) 6174 5317
• Email: Medical.imaging@act.gov.au
• Mail: Nuclear Medicine and PET Department, Canberra Hospital. Yamba Drive Garran ACT 2605
• In Person: You can drop it in to the Medical Imaging Reception in Building 12 of Canberra Hospital.

What to expect

We will contact you to book you in for your scan. Wear comfortable clothing without metal buckles, buttons or zips. Women are advised to wear a bra without underwire. Let us know if you have had a Barium Meal or Enema, Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP), CT scan with contrast or a Nuclear Medicine Scan with in the seven days prior to your scan.

A small questionnaire will be given to you that will give us a short medical history including previous surgery and implants. A technologist will take you through for your scan. You will be asked to lay on your back on a flat table while the scanner passes over the top of you. Each sequence takes a few minutes; you should allow 30 minutes for the entire procedure.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Previous BMD scans or reports

Where we’re located

Medical Imaging, Building 12, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.

From the main entrance, head to Building 1, go past the lifts and follow the blue line on the floor to the Medical Imaging Reception.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.