Understanding DEXA scan results -
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For Patients. All NIAMS News. Director's Page. Bone Health. Facebook Email Print. Facebook Email. What is a bone mineral density test? Bone mineral density testing can: Identify and diagnose osteoporosis.
Measure the risk of fractures broken bones. Monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment. What tests are used to measure bone mineral density? Other tests can also measure bone mineral density or bone loss: Quantitative ultrasound QUS of the heel: Shows pictures of your bone and can predict your risk of broken bones and osteoporosis.
But it is not used to monitor response to osteoporosis treatment, and it does not measure bone mineral density or give as much information as DXA. If the QUS shows that you have a higher risk of osteoporosis or broken bones, your doctor may recommend a central DXA test to confirm the finding. Peripheral DXA: Measures bone mineral density, usually in the wrist and heel, using a portable device.
This test does not give as much information as central DXA, so it is less accurate. Results showing a higher risk of broken bones or osteoporosis may need to be confirmed with a central DXA test. What is a T-score?
This is known as your 'T-score'. Whatever score you receive, your risk of breaking a bone increases as you grow older. If your T-score is in the osteoporosis range, it doesn't always need to be a cause for concern.
It doesn't necessarily mean you will break a bone, or need a treatment. Having low bone density is one risk factor for osteoporosis and broken bones.
Your results from this test are usually used alongside a fracture risk assessment, which takes these other risk factors into account.
You may be given your results as a Z-score, alongside your T-score. A Z-score compares your bone density to people of the same age as you. Having a low Z score may indicate that another condition or medicine is affecting your bone density levels. In this situation your doctor suggests further tests.
If your T-score is in the osteoporosis range, or you have other risk factors for osteoporosis, such as:. This test takes into account all your osteoporosis risk factors, including your bone density, to calculate your risk of breaking a bone.
The results of your fracture risk assessment tell your doctor whether you need an osteoporosis medication. If your risk of breaking a bone is high, they can consider a treatment to help strengthen your bones.
If your T-score is in the normal or osteopenia range, and you don't have any other risk factors for osteoporosis, you don't need further tests, or a treatment. Your doctor may suggest another scan in the future, to monitor your bone health.
They can also offer lifestyle advice, to help you protect your bones. If you would like to find out more about the different types of scans for osteoporosis, you may be interested in watching a conversation with consultant radiographer, Jill Griffin.
Here are some of the other applications of DXA. These tests are available at some but not all DXA facilities. Many tests other than DXA can be used to assess your bone health.
Some of them are not as widely used as DXA, but they may provide useful information beyond bone density, or help to determine who needs a DXA. QCT provides a 3-dimensional measurement of bone density and can generate numbers that can be used to diagnose osteoporosis and for input with FRAX.
Most types of QCT tests provide the same type of T-scores for bone mineral density at the hip as does DXA, but at the spine can provide a measurement of bone mineral density of just the spongy bone inside your vertebra. This type of spinal measurement may be preferred if your spinal bones have degenerative disease.
QCT is not as widely used as DXA due to limited availability, higher radiation dose, and being less practical to monitor treatment for most patients. BCT is an advanced technology that uses data from a CT scan to measure bone mineral density. BCT also uses engineering analysis finite element analysis or FEA to estimate bone strength or measure the breaking strength of bone.
REMS is a portable method that does not use radiation that gives bone density measurements of the hip and spine. These types of tests measure bone density or other parameters in the peripheral skeleton, namely the arm, leg, wrist, fingers, or heel.
Examples include:. The results from these types of tests are not comparable to central DXA measurement and therefore difficult to interpret for diagnostic purposes and thus additional testing is often required.
Screening tests cannot accurately diagnose osteoporosis and should not be used to see how well an osteoporosis medicine is working. Most people need a prescription or referral from their healthcare provider to have a bone density test.
The ideal facility is one with staff that are trained and certified by an organization such as the ISCD, and better yet, one that has been accredited by the ISCD. Most hospital radiology departments, private radiology groups, and some medical practices offer bone density testing.
When you go for your appointment, be sure to take the prescription or referral with you. The testing center will send your bone density test results to your healthcare provider. You may want to make an appointment to discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
As with any medical test, bone density should be repeated when the results might influence treatment plans.
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The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool FRAX is a brief questionnaire that calculates your individual risk of breaking a bone in a percentage. A bone density scan can give you valuable information about the quality and strength of your bones.
It can take measurements of minerals that contribute to your bone health and help your doctor or other healthcare professional guide you on possible lifestyle changes or treatments that can help. Your doctor may recommend you have a bone density scan if they suspect you have secondary osteoporosis or if you have one of the following risk factors for developing it:.
A bone density scan should not be painful. Although the test itself only takes about 5 minutes to complete, interpreting the results of the test takes specialized training. A radiologist skilled in reading DEXA scans will interpret your results and should present your doctor with a report.
Your doctor or healthcare professional may also order a bone scan even if you have no known risk factors but do have symptoms related to bone loss, such as frequent fractures or breaks. A DEXA scan is the name of the test used to perform your bone mineral density scan. These names may be used interchangeably.
A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, is a test that can help your doctor or healthcare professional detect bone loss before you have severe symptoms like frequent fractures or broken bones. Lifestyle changes and medications may be suggested to you based on your bone scan results.
Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional if you think you or your child may need a bone density scan. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Bone density screenings are used to determine your risk of osteoporosis or of fracturing a bone and may also be used to check whether treatment is…. The full cost of a bone density scan is covered under original Medicare every 24 months.
Find out more about coverage for this test based on the plan…. Learn which scans can help screen or diagnose osteoporosis — their procedure, costs, and what the results mean. Osteopaths and chiropractors are healthcare professionals who offer complementary forms of medicine.
While they treat similar conditions, their…. The prevalence of osteoporosis describes how common this condition is within specific groups. It's most common in women over the age of While research on the benefits of tai chi for osteoporosis is promising, researchers note the need for more rigorous studies.
Here's what we know. Several doctors and other healthcare professionals can treat osteoporosis. The best option for you will depend largely on the underlying cause. Primary osteoporosis occurs when bone density and mass is lost due to changes that occur as you age.
Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment…. Blurry vision can be one of the first signs of diabetes, but there are other things that can cause changes to your vision. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep?
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Nurmi, MS on October 27, Results DXA scan Z-score Z-score meaning Uses Purpose FAQ Takeaway Bone density scan results explain the strength of your bones and assess your risk of breaking a bone. What do your bone density scan results mean?
What is a DEXA scan? What is a Z-score? Understanding your Z-score. How is a DEXA bone scan Z-score used? What is the FRAX?
Was this helpful? Why do you need a bone density scan? Frequently asked questions. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Oct 27, Written By Rachael Zimlich, Deborah L. Nurmi, MS. Medically Reviewed By Karen Richardson Gill, MD. Share this article. Read this next.
Bone Density Scores for Osteoporosis Bone density screenings are used to determine your risk of osteoporosis or of fracturing a bone and may also be used to check whether treatment is… READ MORE. Does Medicare Cover Bone Density Testing? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What to Know About Bone Density Scans for Osteoporosis.
Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP. Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D. How common is osteoporosis? Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M. Getting Started with Tai Chi for Osteoporosis. Doctors and Other Healthcare Professionals Who Treat Osteoporosis. What Is Primary Osteoporosis?
What to Know About Blurry Vision and Diabetes. Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD. This score is the cut-off between possible low bone density and the range of typical bone density.
If your score is this or lower, it likely means that you have secondary osteoporosis or if the score is for a child, they likely have low bone mineral density for their age.
: Understanding DEXA scan results| Royal Osteoporosis Society | If the QUS shows that you resluts Understanding DEXA scan results higher rrsults Understanding DEXA scan results osteoporosis or broken Undeestanding, your doctor may recommend a central DXA test to confirm the finding. The results of your scan tell your doctor how much bone tissue you have in the areas tested. What is the FRAX? People with low bone mass are usually advised to take steps to prevent osteoporosis. Frequently asked questions. |
| What is a bone mineral density test? | Another important measure provided in the USA Trend: Fat Distribution table is android and gynoid percentages and ratios. Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including:. About Mayo Clinic. Cut points in research are generally around 0. It is important to recognize that you may be diagnosed with osteoporosis when the T-score is better than Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. |
| DEXA Scan / Bone Density Test: A Patient's Guide | HSS | Bones containing more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break. Bones can become less dense as we age or if we develop certain medical conditions. When too much bone is lost, osteoporosis can develop. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, which increases the risk of fractures broken bones. The most common bone mineral density test is a central dual energy x-ray absorptiometry DXA or DEXA. DXA uses radiation to measure how much calcium and other minerals are in a specific area of your bone. Because the weak bones that tend to break most often are the hip and spine, DXA usually measures bone mineral density in these bones. The risk of broken bones increases by 1. If you are a woman in postmenopause or a man who is age 50 or older, your bone mineral density test result will be a T-score. A T-score is the difference between your bone mineral density and 0, which is the bone mineral density of a healthy young adult. If your Z-score is —2. This score could mean that you have osteoporosis caused by medications or other diseases and conditions. If you are a premenopausal woman or a man younger than age 50, your bone mineral density test result will be a Z-score. Z-scores are also used for children. The Z-score is the difference between your bone mineral density and the average bone mineral density for healthy people of your age, ethnicity, and sex. The U. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women over age 65 have a bone mineral density test. The Task Force also recommends this screening for women of any age who have factors, identified by a health care provider who uses a formal risk-assessment tool, that raise their chance of osteoporosis. More research is needed before the U. Preventive Services Task Force can make a recommendation regarding osteoporosis screening in men or how often premenopausal women and women with risk factors should be screened. Bone mineral density measurement tests are not the only tools that doctors use to predict your risk of fractures. Doctors may use the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool FRAX to estimate risk for fracture. This score uses your age, sex, medical history, country, and other factors. This information, along with your bone mineral density test results, can help health care providers understand your risk for fracture and can guide treatment. For people with osteoporosis or osteopenia, the FRAX score can predict the chances of a major fracture in the next 10 years. The FRAX score can also screen women in postmenopause younger than age 65 for osteoporosis risk. It is important that you review your BMD test results with your doctor for a full explanation of what they mean for you. Any diagnoses or treatment recommendations would be based on your BMD test results, age, and other fracture risk factors that you may have. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. This content was created by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases NIAMS with contributions from:. Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases. Current Funding Opportunities. NIAMS Labs and Core Facilities. For Principal Investigators. Normal bone is strong and flexible. Osteoporotic bone is weaker and subject to fracture. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break. Bone density tests differ from bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone. Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you've:. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing clothes with zippers, belts or buttons. Leave your jewelry at home and remove all metal objects from your pockets, such as keys, money clips or change. At some facilities, you may be asked to change into an examination gown. Bone density tests are usually done on bones in the spine vertebrae , hip, forearm, wrist, fingers and heel. Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including:. If you have your bone density test done at a hospital, it'll probably be done on a device where you lie on a padded platform while a mechanical arm passes over your body. The amount of radiation you're exposed to is very low, much less than the amount emitted during a chest X-ray. The test usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes. A small, portable machine can measure bone density in the bones at the far ends of your skeleton, such as those in your finger, wrist or heel. The instruments used for these tests are called peripheral devices and are often used at health fairs. Because bone density can vary from one location in your body to another, a measurement taken at your heel usually isn't as accurate a predictor of fracture risk as a measurement taken at your spine or hip. Consequently, if your test on a peripheral device is positive, your doctor might recommend a follow-up scan at your spine or hip to confirm your diagnosis. Your T-score is your bone density compared with what is normally expected in a healthy young adult of your sex. Your T-score is the number of units — called standard deviations — that your bone density is above or below the average. Your score is a sign of osteopenia, a condition in which bone density is below normal and may lead to osteoporosis. Your Z-score is the number of standard deviations above or below what's normally expected for someone of your age, sex, weight, and ethnic or racial origin. If your Z-score is significantly higher or lower than the average, you may need additional tests to determine the cause of the problem. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis — a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break. Bone density Enlarge image Close. Bone density With bone loss, the outer shell of a bone becomes thinner and the interior becomes more porous. More Information Anorexia nervosa Hyperparathyroidism Hypoparathyroidism Kyphosis Osteoporosis Show more related information. Request an appointment. Locations for bone density testing Enlarge image Close. Locations for bone density testing Bone density tests are usually done on bones in the spine vertebrae , hip, forearm, wrist, fingers and heel. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Show references Osteoporosis overview. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. Accessed Nov. Lewiecki EM. Overview of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone densitometry. Radiological Society of North America. |
| How to Read DEXA Scan Results | The diagnosis is made using Scqn lowest T-score. There are 3 ways that osteoporosis can be diagnosed. Legs may be straight or positioned on a padded platform. News Network. menu icon Menu. |
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Bodymass Composition Testing - DEXA ANALYSISUnderstanding DEXA scan results -
Porous bone tissue contains pockets or holes that weaken the overall structure of the bone, making it more likely to fracture. How porous your bones are is a key indicator of how likely you are to develop osteoporosis, even if you show no other signs of the disease.
Approximately, 10 million Americans and 2 million Canadians have osteoporosis. A bone density scan is an important diagnostic tool that both you and your doctor can access.
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of HIPAA in the U. and the national Privacy Act in Canada, having access to your medical records is required by law.
This article clarifies the common terms you will come across when reviewing your bone density scan report, so you can have a complete understanding of your results before your follow-up appointment. DXA stands for dual-energy absorptiometry and is the most common and effective method used to measure bone density.
A DXA scan uses two types of X-ray beams to measure bone density by analyzing both mineral and soft tissue density. A radiologist will analyze your bone density test results by considering the T-score and Z-score.
The T-score range or number on your bone density test report indicates how much your bone density differs from the bone density of an average, healthy year-old. Your T-score number, sometimes called your DXA score, is measured in units of Standard Deviation SD. T-scores can also help your doctor determine whether you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, serious conditions that can lead to increased fracture risk.
The Z-score range or number on your bone density test compares your bone density to the average bone density of people your own age and sex and uses the same units of measurement SD as the T-score.
Z-scores are always used to analyze the bone density of children, young adults, pre-menopausal women and men under 50 years of age.
Z-scores, along with analysis of lifestyle factors, can also help indicate secondary osteoporosis, a type of osteoporosis caused by certain illnesses, medications or lifestyle factors. While the T-scores and Z-scores of one bone density test cannot show whether you are losing bone mass, they do compare you to an average.
As with any medical test, bone density should be repeated when the results might influence treatment plans. It is often repeated years after starting or changing osteoporosis medication to evaluate response to treatment. It might also be repeated in years if you are not being treated but are close to a treatment threshold.
Subsequent testing varies according to your individual situation. For postmenopausal women and men age 50 years and older, the T-score is the number that is used for diagnostic classification, as follows:. It is important to recognize that you may be diagnosed with osteoporosis when the T-score is better than Also, when the T-score is or below, you could have disease other than osteoporosis, such as osteomalacia or multiple myeloma.
Your healthcare provider can evaluate you to be sure the diagnosis is correct or refer you to someone who can. The results of your bone density test, combined with all available clinical information, including your personal preference and previous experience with medications, can help with deciding to start, continue, or change medication to make your bones stronger and reduce the risk of breaking bones.
Medications have been tested and approved for prevention and for treatment of osteoporosis. Each of these medications has its pros and cons. If you need take a medication, any one of them may be better than none, but some are better than others for increasing bone density and reducing the risk of breaking bones.
Talk with your healthcare provider to find out which is best for you. If you decide not to take a medication, it is often a good idea to monitor your bone density and reconsider your treatment decisions from time to time. Regardless of whether you take a prescription medication, remember the essentials for good bone health: regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening physical activity, maintaining good balance, avoiding falls, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, and when possible, avoiding or minimizing exposure to drugs that are harmful to bones, such as prednisone.
Join our community to learn more about osteoporosis, or connect with others near you who are suffering from the disease.
Membership in BHOF will help build your practice, keep your team informed, provide CME credits, and allow you access to key osteoporosis experts. Bone Density Testing Are you a woman age 65 years or older, a man age 70 years or older, or have you broken a bone had a fracture since age 50 years?
What Is a Bone Density Test? DXA is a non-invasive test to measure bone density. Pulse-echo ultrasound P-EU — uses no radiation and measures the thickness of cortical bone at peripheral skeletal sites with a handheld device.
Studies have shown a significant correlation between measurements from P-EU and bone mineral density measured by DXA at the hip. Due to its open design patients can comfortably enjoy the test without feeling claustrophobic. It works by sending dual low power x-ray beams that can accurately and precisely differentiate between bone mineral, lean mass and fat mass.
Example analysis from a DXA scan PDF. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry DXA is a quick and pain free scan that can tell you a lot about your body. The main goal of the DXA is to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the main components of your body; fat, muscle and bone. After the scan, you will be given a multi-paged print out where you will see percentages, mass, and images accounting for the various data obtained.
The great thing about the DXA scan is that it requires very minimal preparation. For more accurate results you should make sure you are well hydrated and not have any food in your stomach at least 3 hours since your last meal.
It is also important to not take calcium supplements 24 hours prior to your test to ensure accurate bone density readings. Upon arriving at our medical office you will be greeted and taken back to meet with the licensed technologist who will perform your scan for you.
After measuring your height and weight, you will be asked to lie down and get comfortable and the scan will begin. The scan takes 6 minutes. Once the scan is over you will be able to sit down with the exercise specialist to go over your results.
Your results will be explained to you and suggestions will be given according to goals that you have i. You will be able to keep your packet of results as a reference in the case that a follow up is desired in the future.
Note: it is beneficial to do this scan every months for body composition and every year if you are looking to modify something specific such as bone density. Because this test gives so much detailed information regarding various components in your body, it is a scan that can be used for anyone.
Athletes can get this scan done if they are curious to track their muscle mass as well as overall fat percentage. Due to its broad uses, the average person who is simply curious about their health could get this scan in order to gain insight regarding their body composition.
This will change based on the amount of fat there is as well as the amount of lean mass there is.
Official Coping with stress use. resulfs A. gov website belongs Undrrstanding Understanding DEXA scan results official Cooking lentils soup organization in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A bone mineral density BMD test measures calcium and other minerals in bone. Bones containing more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break.
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