REMS Bone Density Scan, Cardiff & South Wales
Check your osteoporosis risk with Wales' first radiation-free bone scan. Scans lumbar spine and neck of femur in 10–15 minutes — with a comprehensive report and verbal results during your appointment. From £230 all-inclusive.
What you get for £230
- ✓Lumbar spine + neck of femur scan
- ✓T-Score & Z-Score (vs DEXA standard)
- ✓Fragility & bone-quality score
- ✓Body fat & metabolism analysis
- ✓Report interpretation and actionable steps
The future of bone health screening
Traditional DEXA scans use X-ray radiation. REMS uses ultrasound — safer, more comfortable, and more comprehensive. We were the first clinic in Wales to bring this technology to patients.
Radiation-free
Uses ultrasound waves, not X-rays. Safe for repeated scans to track bone health over time — even during pregnancy.
10–15 minutes
Quick, painless and non-invasive. Stay fully clothed (just lift your top). Results discussed at the time.
More accurate
Measures both bone density and bone quality. DEXA only measures density — missing key information about fracture risk.
Comprehensive report
T-Score, Z-Score, fragility score, body fat and metabolism — all in one detailed electronic report.
The two sites that matter most
Osteoporosis fractures most commonly happen at the hip and spine. That's exactly where we scan.
Lumbar spine
L1–L4 vertebrae — the standard international reference site for osteoporosis diagnosis. Spinal compression fractures are often the first warning sign of bone loss.
Neck of femur
The thinnest part of the hip bone — where most hip fractures occur. The single strongest predictor of future fracture risk in older adults.
If any of these apply, it's worth knowing
Book today, results this week
Book
Self-refer online in 60 seconds. No GP letter required.
Arrive
Penarth or Cowbridge clinic. Free parking. Fast for 4hrs beforehand if possible.
Scan
10–15 minutes. Just lift your top. No injections, no needles.
Report
Verbal results immediately. Detailed electronic report within 24-48 hours.
Why REMS is the future of bone scanning
| REMS (us) | DEXA (traditional) | |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation | ✓ None | × Low-dose X-ray |
| Measures bone density | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Measures bone quality | ✓ Yes | × No |
| Fragility Score | ✓ Yes | × No |
| Body fat & metabolism | ✓ Yes | × No |
| Suitable in pregnancy | ✓ Yes | × No |
| Safe for frequent monitoring | ✓ Yes | × Limited (radiation builds up) |
| Wait time on NHS | ✓ 48-72 hours private | × Often 12+ weeks |
REMS is the international gold standard going forward — your REMS results are directly comparable to DEXA T-Scores and Z-Scores, but with additional bone-quality data DEXA can't measure.
Acorn Private Clinic's REMS bone density service has been featured on the BBC as the first of its kind in Wales.
What you'll receive — sample reports
Every patient gets a detailed electronic report covering bone density, micro-architecture, fracture risk and more. Here's what it looks like.
Bone density & fracture risk
Compares your bone density against young adult and age-matched reference data, plus your individual fracture risk score.
Bone Micro-Architecture
Beyond density — measures the structural quality of your bones, something DEXA cannot do.
Fracture Risk Analysis
Personalised fragility score predicting your risk of fracture over the next decade.
I recently had a REMS bone density scan at Acorn Clinic with Dr. Junaid. I was very impressed with how easy and non-invasive the procedure was. I simply had to lift my top. The scan was quick and painless. I was shown the results immediately. I am post-menopausal and my mum has osteoporosis so I wanted to know about my bone health proactively. I am very pleased that this technology is available in the UK without having to be referred for a DEXA scan.
Two clinics, close to Cardiff
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about REMS bone scans
How much does a private bone density scan cost in Cardiff?
A REMS bone density scan at Acorn Private Clinic costs £230 all-inclusive. This covers scanning of both the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and neck of femur, plus a comprehensive electronic report including T-Score, Z-Score, fragility score, body fat composition and metabolism analysis. No hidden fees, no follow-up charges.
How is REMS different from DEXA?
REMS uses ultrasound waves; DEXA uses low-dose X-ray radiation. Both measure bone density, but REMS also assesses bone quality (the structural integrity of the bone), which DEXA cannot. REMS results are directly comparable to DEXA T-Scores and Z-Scores, but with extra information about fracture risk that helps your doctor make better treatment decisions. The technology is approved internationally and recognised by major osteoporosis organisations.
How long does a REMS bone scan take?
The scan itself takes 10-15 minutes. Total appointment time is around 30 minutes including consultation and results. You simply lie on an examination table and lift your top — no injections, no special preparation beyond ideally fasting for 4 hours so bowel gas doesn't interfere with the spine images.
Do I need a GP referral for a REMS bone scan?
No. You can self-refer directly — just book online or call us. We do recommend bringing any previous DEXA reports so we can compare and track changes over time.
How accurate is the REMS bone scan?
REMS technology has been validated in multiple peer-reviewed studies and shows accuracy comparable to or better than DEXA for predicting fragility fractures. Because it measures bone quality as well as density, REMS is particularly accurate for identifying patients at high fracture risk who might be classified as "normal" on DEXA alone.
How often should I have a bone density scan?
For most people, every 2-3 years is appropriate. If you're on osteoporosis treatment (bisphosphonates, HRT, denosumab), yearly scans help track response. Because REMS is radiation-free, you can have it as often as clinically useful without cumulative risk.
What does a REMS scan show?
Your report includes:
• T-Score — bone density compared to a healthy young adult (used to diagnose osteoporosis)
• Z-Score — bone density compared to others your age and sex
• Fragility Score — unique to REMS, measures bone-quality
• Body fat composition — lean vs fat mass at the scan site
• Metabolism estimate — resting metabolic rate
Is REMS safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Because REMS uses ultrasound (no radiation), it's safe during pregnancy — unlike DEXA which is generally avoided. This makes REMS particularly valuable for monitoring bone health in younger women.
Where can I get a private bone scan near Cardiff?
Acorn Private Clinic offers REMS bone scans at our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD) — 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre — and at our Cowbridge satellite clinic (10 High Street, CF71 7AG). Patients travel to us from across South Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Will my GP accept the REMS report?
Yes — our reports are produced by Consultant Radiologists and are accepted by NHS GPs, specialists and onward referral pathways. With your permission, we can send the report directly to your GP, endocrinologist or rheumatologist.
What's the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?
Osteopenia means your bone density is lower than normal but not yet at the level of osteoporosis (T-Score between -1.0 and -2.5). Osteoporosis is diagnosed at a T-Score of -2.5 or lower. Both significantly increase fracture risk — osteopenia is often the early warning sign, and the best time to intervene with lifestyle changes or treatment.
Know your bone health.
Self-refer for a radiation-free REMS scan — comprehensive report, expert consultant, results during your visit. £230 all-inclusive.