Osteoporosis services in secondary care: a UK survey

A 1994 survey indicated that only 13 health authorities in the UK were purc hasing access to dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the most accurate measure of osteoporosis risk. By 1998 the number of centres (including private fac ilities providing DXA) was 161. All these were sent a questionnaire concern ing their activities. 124 (77%) responded, and the survey found that DXA ma chines operate, on average, for only 3.6 days a week. Funding of and access to diagnostic services for osteoporosis varies greatly. There is clear sco pe for greater efficiency in the use of existing DXA machines and more equi table access to diagnostic services is required for effective management of osteoporosis.