Boots has launched a private bone health scan service to help “identify early risks of osteoporosis”, it announced today.
The company said the service, operated by Bindex, will begin “as a pilot in ten Boots stores across the UK, Jersey and Isle of Man”.
It involves “a quick, non-invasive ultrasound scan of the shin bone, led by a pharmacist or nurse”, and customers will receive “an immediate printout of their bone density scan results”.
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Shoppers will also receive “lifestyle advice and guidance”, and will be signposted to their GP if their “results indicate further testing may be required”.
Boots said the appointments, which cost £75 each, last around 25 minutes and are suitable for those aged over 40 “without any history of fragility fractures”.
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It added that more than 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with osteoporosis, with women at higher risk due to a rapid decline in bone density after the menopause.
The service joins a number of other women’s health services available at Boots, such as Pharmacy First for UTI treatment and Boots Online Doctor’s menopause services, which include hormone replacement therapy.
“A vital step”
Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson said the launch of the new bone health service “is a vital step in helping adults, and in particular women, take a more proactive approach to their health” - and gives them “a convenient and accessible way to understand their osteoporosis risk right on the high street”.
“This service is another example of Boots’ commitment to ensuring everyone has access to the healthcare they need, when they need it,” she added.
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It comes after Boots this month launched a “One Health” section in its Derby store, bringing together pharmacy, optometry and hearing care.
And it follows the company in February debuting its health MOT service “to make expert health advice more accessible than ever”.
