October 21, 2010 – For the first time, a hospital in the United Kingdom will offer women osteoporosis detection and mammography in a single exam. Sectra reached an agreement with Aspen Healthcare to use Sectra’s screening tools at the Holly House Hospital.
The initiative could also drastically reduce care costs, since fractures caused by osteoporosis will decline.
“For most women, regular mammography examinations are a natural part of the safety net for early detection of breast cancer. The ability to conduct screening to identify osteoporosis at the same time could mean that many women will avoid unnecessary suffering and could result in major cost-savings for society,” said Torbjörn Kronander, president of Sectra’s medical operations.
Based on a single radiology image of the hand, taken in connection with the mammography examination and using the same equipment, the Sectra dxr-online service calculates bone mineral density. To perform the combined examination, Holly House has invested in Sectra MicroDose Mammography, which with superior image quality, generates the lowest radiation dose available. Sectra MicroDose Mammography is currently awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“We are extremely excited to be using these exceptional technologies for our mammography and osteoporosis services. The dxr-online service has enabled us to safely monitor patients’ bone mineral density on a regular basis providing early indication of the risk of developing osteoporosis and therefore giving the patient the opportunity for a better quality of life,” said Allyson Budino, manager of the diagnostic centre at Holly House Hospital.
Osteoporosis-related fractures remain one of the major health threats for women. But if women in the risk zone for osteoporosis are identified at an early stage, there are now inexpensive and effective ways of preventing fractures through lifestyle changes and medication.
For more information: www.sectra.com
February 18, 2026 
