Can You Be Scanned With Limited Mobility or in a Wheelchair?
You may be able to have an EOS scan with limited mobility, but the scan does require you to stand still for a short time. If you can stand with the help of support handles, a frame, or another person, we can often make it work. If you cannot stand at all, even briefly, this particular scan is not suitable for you.
Key takeaways
- The EOS scan is a standing scan. You must be able to stand, even with support, for the image to be taken.
- Support handles are built into the scanner, and a carer or companion can stay nearby.
- ScanAlign at 19 Harley Street has step-free access to the scanning room.
- A free video consultation before booking lets us assess whether the scan will work for you.
- If standing is not possible, we will tell you honestly and help you consider alternatives.
We understand that getting to a clinic and having a scan can feel daunting when mobility is a challenge. This page is written to give you a clear, honest picture of what we can and cannot do, so you can decide whether a visit is worthwhile before you make the journey.
Why does the EOS scan need you to stand up?
The whole point of an EOS scan is to see your skeleton under its real, weight-bearing load. When you stand, gravity acts on your spine, hips, knees and feet exactly as it does in daily life. That is what reveals alignment problems that a lying-down scan can miss. Because the scan captures your body in its natural standing position, it cannot be done sitting in a wheelchair or lying on a table.
The scan itself is quick. You stand inside the scanner, hold the built-in support handles if you need to, and the imaging arm moves from head to toe. The key requirement is staying reasonably still for the duration.
Is the clinic step-free and wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The scanning room at 19 Harley Street has step-free access. If you arrive in a wheelchair, you can reach the scanning room without navigating stairs. However, please remember that you will need to transfer from the wheelchair to a standing position for the scan itself.
No stairs between the entrance and the scanning room.
A companion or carer can accompany you into the scanning room.
Built into the scanner to help you stay balanced.
If you have specific communication needs or sensory needs, please let us know when you book. We want your appointment to be as comfortable as possible, and we can adjust the way we work if you tell us what would help.
Who can have this scan and who cannot?
We want to be straightforward with you. The scan is suitable for some people with limited mobility, but not for everyone. Here is a plain summary.
- You can stand with support handles or a walking frame
- You can stand briefly with help from a companion
- You have reduced mobility but can bear your own weight
- You use a wheelchair but can transfer to standing
- You cannot stand at all, even with assistance
- You cannot bear weight through your legs
- Standing causes severe pain that makes staying still impossible
- You would need a hoist to transfer, as we do not have hoist facilities on site
If you are unsure which category you fall into, the best thing to do is talk to us first. A free video consultation lets us understand your situation and give you an honest answer before you travel. You can learn more about who our scan is suitable for.
A note on MRI and other lying-down scans. EOS is excellent for bones, joints and whole-body alignment, but it must be done standing. If you need soft-tissue imaging (discs, nerves, ligaments) and standing is not possible for you, MRI is usually the better tool and can be done lying down. We are happy to advise you on which type of imaging may suit your needs.
How do you book if you have mobility needs?
The process starts with a conversation, not a commitment. Here is what to expect.
When you tell us your needs and book, let us know how your mobility is affected. Mention anything that might matter: wheelchair use, walking aids, pain with standing, communication or sensory needs.
We will talk through your situation on video. This lets us assess honestly whether the scan is right for you and answer your questions, all before you travel to the clinic.
If the scan is suitable, we will plan ahead. That might mean allowing extra time for your appointment, confirming access arrangements, or noting that a carer will accompany you.
On the day, we will help you get settled at your own pace. You can read more about what to expect at an alignment assessment.
Not sure if this scan will work for you? Start with a conversation. There is no obligation and no cost for the consultation.
Book a free video consultationWhat happens if you cannot have the scan?
If we decide the EOS scan is not right for you, we will tell you clearly and explain why. We would rather be honest than have you make a difficult journey for nothing. Depending on what your clinician needs to see, lying-down imaging such as MRI, CT or standard X-ray may be a better option, and we can suggest next steps. You can also speak to your GP about which imaging pathway suits you best.
For more details about our patient support, including what to let us know ahead of your visit, feel free to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
You can if you are able to transfer from the wheelchair to a standing position and remain standing with support for the duration of the scan. If you cannot stand at all, the scan is not suitable.
The scan itself is quick. You need to stand reasonably still for a short period while the imaging arm moves from head to toe. We will tell you exactly what to expect during your video consultation.
No. We do not currently have hoist transfer facilities on site. If you require a hoist to move from sitting to standing, this scan is not suitable at this time.
Yes. A carer or companion is welcome in the scanning room. They can help you get into position and stay nearby throughout. The radiation dose from an EOS scan is very low, about 90% less than a standard X-ray, around ten times less, so this is safe.
No. The clinical value of this scan comes from imaging your body under its natural weight-bearing load. A seated image would not show the alignment information that makes the EOS scan useful.
Yes. There is step-free access from the entrance to the scanning room at 19 Harley Street. Please mention any specific access needs when you book so we can prepare.
Let us know during your free video consultation. If you can stand briefly with the help of the scanner's built-in handles, it may still be possible. We will give you an honest answer based on your situation.
No. You can self-refer. The process starts with a free video consultation where we discuss your needs and confirm suitability.
We do not list prices on this page. For up-to-date information on cost, please visit our FAQs page or ask during your free video consultation.
We will be upfront about it. Depending on what your clinician needs, other types of imaging done lying down, such as MRI or CT, may be more appropriate. We can help guide you towards the right next step.
Not sure if you can have the scan?
Start with a free video consultation. We will assess your situation honestly and let you know before you travel.
Book a free video consultationWritten by Abbas Dhami (Specialist Diagnostic Radiographer)
Sources
- EOS imaging. Illés, T., Somoskeöy, S. European Spine Journal, 2012;21 Suppl 2:S205-S213. Overview of EOS biplanar radiography in clinical practice.
- NHS England. Accessible Information Standard, 2017. Guidance on meeting communication and access needs in healthcare settings.
- Equality Act 2010. UK Government legislation on reasonable adjustments for disabled people accessing services.
This page is general information and not a diagnosis.
ScanAlign is the trading name of CoreMed Solutions Ltd and operates under The Harley Street Hospital's CQC licence.