Private REMS Bone Density Scan

A REMS Bone Density Scan is a quick, radiation-free way to measure the strength of your bones in London. REMS stands for Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry, an advanced ultrasound technology that assesses bone mineral density at the spine and hip, the two sites where fractures matter most.

The scan tells you whether your bone density is normal or reduced, and whether you have Osteopenia (early bone thinning) or osteoporosis (more significant bone loss), estimating your risk of a future fracture. Because it uses ultrasound rather than X-rays, there is no ionising radiation, so it is well suited to repeat monitoring and to anyone who would prefer to avoid radiation.

You might benefit from a bone density scan if you have any of the risk factors that make bone loss more likely. The most common reasons our patients book a scan are:

• Going through, or having been through, the menopause, falling oestrogen accelerates bone loss.
• A family history of osteoporosis or a parent who broke a hip.
• A previous fracture from a minor fall or knock (a “fragility fracture”).
• Long-term steroid use (oral corticosteroids), which weakens bone over time.
• Monitoring an existing diagnosis or checking how well osteoporosis treatment is working.
• Early menopause, low body weight, smoking or a high alcohol intake.
• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease or an overactive thyroid.
• Simply wanting a clear, radiation-free baseline of your bone health.

If one or more of these applies to you, a bone density scan is a straightforward way to understand your bone health and act early if needed.

A REMS bone density scan uses safe, pain-free sound waves, with no radiation, no needles and no injections, to assess the bone quality at your spine and hip.

You lie comfortably on your back while a small amount of gel is applied and a smooth, hand-held probe is passed over the lower back and the hip. The REMS system analyses the raw ultrasound signals reflected back from the bone, comparing them against a large reference database to calculate your bone mineral density.

From this the scan produces your T-score and Z-score along with a fracture-risk estimate. The whole assessment is typically completed in around 15 to 20 minutes.

The key difference is simple: REMS uses ultrasound and involves no ionising radiation, whereas a traditional DEXA scan uses a low dose of X-rays. Both assess bone mineral density at the spine and hip and both produce a T-score, but they get there in different ways.

• No radiation, because REMS is ultrasound-based, there is no X-ray exposure, which makes it especially suitable for repeat monitoring and for people who want to avoid radiation.
• Quick and comfortable, the scan is non-invasive, requires no injection and is typically finished in around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Reliable for monitoring, REMS is designed to be repeated over time so changes in your bone density can be tracked safely.

If you have previously had a DEXA scan, REMS can be used alongside it for ongoing monitoring, your Specialist will help interpret the results in context.

Please take the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns, your experience is our number one priority. The REMS bone density scan is quick, comfortable and carried out by a trained Specialist at our London clinic, and you can pause or stop at any point.

Here is what happens on the day:

• Getting comfortable, you’ll lie on your back on the examination couch. You can usually stay dressed, though you may be asked to move or loosen clothing over the lower back and hip.
• The spine scan, a small amount of gel is applied and a smooth probe is passed gently over your lower back to assess the lumbar spine.
• The hip scan, the probe is then moved over the hip to assess the femoral neck, the other key fracture site.

The scan is painless and there is nothing to feel beyond the gentle pressure of the probe. Your results are calculated by the system, ready to be explained the same day.

No special preparation is needed for a REMS bone density scan. There is no need to fast, drink water beforehand or change your medication, you can eat, drink and take any regular tablets exactly as normal.

The only helpful tip is to wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to the lower back and hip. It is best to avoid heavy belts, thick waistbands or clothing with metal fastenings over the scan area, but you will not usually need to undress.

If you have had any previous bone density scans, DEXA reports or relevant imaging, bringing them along can help your Specialist compare findings over time, but this is optional and not required to go ahead.

You shouldn’t have to wait around for important answers about your health. That’s why, at Harley Street Ultrasound, we are dedicated to fast, same-day results. Your bone density report is ready the same day, along with a clear explanation of what your scan shows.

Your results are reported as two key numbers:

• T-score, compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of −1.0 or above is normal; between −1.0 and −2.5 indicates osteopenia; and −2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
• Z-score, compares your bone density with others of your own age and sex, which is useful in younger patients.

Your report also includes an estimate of your fracture risk and tailored advice on next steps. You can view and share the report securely from any internet-connected device and forward it directly to your GP or specialist.

A bone density scan is worth considering for anyone with an increased risk of bone loss, or who simply wants a clear, radiation-free picture of their bone health. It is particularly recommended for:

• Women who are post-menopausal, or who went through an early menopause
• Anyone with a family history of osteoporosis or a parent who fractured a hip
• People who have had a fracture from a minor fall after the age of 50
• Anyone taking long-term steroids or other medication that affects bone
• People with conditions linked to bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease
• Those already diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis who need monitoring

If you are unsure whether a scan is right for you, our team is happy to talk it through before you book.

How often you repeat the scan depends on your results and risk factors. As a general guide, a scan is often repeated every one to two years when monitoring osteopenia, treatment or a higher-risk profile, and less frequently if your bones are healthy. Because REMS is radiation-free, it can be repeated safely as often as needed, your Specialist will recommend the right interval for you.

Alongside scanning, day-to-day habits make a real difference to bone strength:

• Plenty of dietary calcium and adequate vitamin D
• Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise
• Stopping smoking and keeping alcohol within recommended limits
• Reducing falls risk at home and staying a healthy weight

Your report will set out tailored advice so you can take practical steps to maintain or improve your bone health over time.

A private REMS bone density scan at Harley Street Ultrasound is £250, all fees inclusive. There are no extra charges for the consultation, your spine and hip scan, the time you spend with your Specialist, your full medical report or your high-resolution digital results.

What’s included in the price:

• One-to-one appointment with a trained Specialist
• Radiation-free REMS assessment of the spine and hip
• Detailed written medical report with your T-score, Z-score and fracture-risk estimate
• Same-day results and digital report delivered to your secure portal
• No referral required and no waiting list, most patients are seen within 24 to 48 hours

We accept self-pay and most major UK private health insurers. If you have insurance, please contact your provider before booking to confirm your policy covers a private bone density scan at Harley Street Ultrasound, our team is happy to provide any clinical or pricing details they need.

Many of our patients worry that coming to us privately will somehow affect their NHS care. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast, no strings attached. When you come to us, you are seen by a qualified Specialist who can assess your bone density the same day. If your results need follow-up, our Specialist can write to your NHS GP with the findings, and your report can be shared securely with any NHS team to support a referral or treatment decision.

We don’t want you to wait months for answers, understanding your bone health early gives you the best chance to act and protect yourself from future fractures.

A REMS Bone Density Scan is a screening tool. It is designed to detect early signs of reduced bone density and help you understand your fracture risk using new, cutting-edge, radiation-free technology.

If your scan does show an abnormality, the next step is usually a DEXA scan, which remains the reference standard used to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Your specialist will explain your result and arrange any onward referral you need.