Bone Density testing – Thursday, 18 May

11 May 2023

Staff offer - bone density testing

Bone density tests will be offered to University staff on Thursday 18th May at the Wellbeing Room, Simon Building, Oxford Road. Room G.62 (Treatment room) for £35.

Tracey will assess your bone density and fracture risk using a machine called a ‘Quantitative Ultrasound Scanner’ or ‘QUS’. The test measures the bone density in your heel and is especially useful for assessing your risk of fracturing (breaking) your legs, arms, hips, and wrists – common fracture sites for sufferers of osteoporosis. The machine is safe, painless, and has no side effects! You put your foot in a machine that grips your heel, and ultrasound waves pass through it. Each heel stays in the machine for about two minutes. Although the test itself is not diagnostic, individuals with low scores are given a copy of their results to give to their GP. The test serves as a useful ‘filter’ to help a GP decide whether the individual needs further investigation, meaning that it usually speeds up, or improves, the individual’s chances of access to a more detailed diagnostic test.

After the test is completed, your results will be printed off and explained to you. There will also be time for you to ask questions if you have any! Along with your results and explanation, you will receive an information pack with evidence-based nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle advice to enable you to safeguard yourself against the condition, greatly enhancing your chances of having strong and healthy bones for life. 

More information 

If you would like to book a test, please email tracey@bonematters.org. The appointment will take approximately 15 minutes and results and advice are given immediately. Test cost £35.00