Dexa bone scan frequency

[Sanekate]

Could anyone advise as to how often one should have a Dexa bone scan if taking pred? Does frequency depend on dose? Thanks in advance

[SheffieldJane]

I was advised to have one every two years.

[Sanekate in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks

[piglette]

In my area you can only have them every three years. There seems to be a great shortage of machines and operators. We only got ours because we fund raised for it.

[Bcol]

My docs have gone with every two years so far.

[KASHMIRI1]

I was told at last year's scan that it should be every two years

[LBM1953]

I had a private one when I first contracted PMR but then another NHS one a year later because that is how long the referral takes. I was worried about radiation exposure but was told (by PMRPro I think) that it is the equivalent of two days sunbathing. I was told by the radiologist that two years was the normal interval...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No, dose has nothing to do with it. It is said that generally there is no point doing dexascans more often than every 2 years as the changes are usually so slow you don't see meaningful changes sooner. Unfortunately in the UK at present it very much depends on where you live - there is a shortage of dexascanners so the waiting lists can be very long.

[SnazzyD]

I was told 2-3 years and no point sooner. I had one just after starting my GCA Pred (osteopaenic) and then another about 3 years later (still osteopaenic -3%).

[whitefishbay]

Never had one - never offered one on the NHS.

[CarolF1312]

I'm in Merseyside. Every two years here. I was very pleased to have my second scan on a Saturday just three weeks following referral from my Rheumy. Radiologist advised they are working weekends to reduce waiting list. Don't have results yet 🙏for no significant deterioration.

[Tiggy70]

When diagnosed with PMR 2.5 years ago I was refused a DEXA scan on the NHS. I live in the UK (Northampton). A year ago I paid for a private scan as I wanted to check whether I actually needed to take Alendronic acid as it made me really unwell. Based on the scan results, and incidentally against the advice of my Rheumatologist, I stopped taking the AA. I have another private scan booked for the end of March. It will be interesting to see if there are any adverse changes.

[PMRnewbie2017]

2years. I was told that in order for scans to be comparable the scan should be done on the same machine. I achieved this by going privately, even had same technician, but oerhaps not so easy via NHS.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

Even privately you can't be SURE it is the same machine - in fact, private ones are more likely to be replaced than NHS ones! But even operator is important - how they position you relative to the device matters too.