Osteo-Scan uses the Dexacare® G4 scanner, which is a fourth generation wrist densitometer from Osteometer- a leading manufacturer of highly accurate and precise machines who have installed several thousand similar units worldwide. The DexacareG4 is already being used in an NHS setting.

The machine has been tested and its accuracy for determining fracture risk of the hip and spine has been verified by the NOS.

DXA scans measure the bone mineral density (BMD) of bone and compares the measurement to the average reading of females in peak bone mass. The difference is expressed in standard deviations (SD) as T-scores.

According to the WHO T-scores above -1 are classed as normal, T-scores between -1 and -2.5 are classed as osteopaenic, whilst T-scores below -2.5 are classed as osteoporotic.

At Osteo-Scan we recognise that BMD measurements do not give a full picture of bone health. Other factors such as bone quality, risk factors and medical history are also important variables. We consider all factors available to us.