Everyone Healthy Library
Bone Densitometry
Diagnostic test reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
Connected diagnostic information
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What this test measures
0This section shows the biological marker/agent measured by this diagnostic test. Each marker/agent opens its own page with related conditions. Detailed reference ranges are shown separately in the Reference ranges and concentrations section below, so they are not repeated here.
No measured biological markers/agents are listed yet for this diagnostic test.
Reference ranges and concentrations
0These ranges are pulled from the existing EH diagnostic-test reference range tables. They can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, sample type and clinical situation.
No reference ranges are listed yet for this diagnostic test.
Conditions where linked markers may be increased or decreased
0This section links the test's biological markers/agents to related conditions. It is a browsing guide, not a diagnosis.
No increased/decreased condition-marker links are listed yet for the markers in this test.
Related disease pages directly linked to this test
2These are direct diagnostic-test-to-condition links stored in the EH database.
Full article / legacy information
Bone Densitometry
Bone Densitometry or a Bone Density Scan (DXA) is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that can measure bone loss and bone mineral density (BMD).
DXA can be used to diagnose osteoporosis and other conditions causing bone mineral loss. It is also helpful in tracking the treatment of these conditions. DXA allows the risk of fracture to be calculated. A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, analyzes the images. DXA scans are also interpreted by other physicians such as rheumatologists and endocrinologists.
Test results are reported in the form of two scores:
T score — This number shows the amount of bone the patient has compared with a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass. A score above -1 is considered normal. A score between -1 and -2.5 is classified as osteopenia (low bone mass). A score below -2.5 is defined as osteoporosis. The T score is used to estimate the risk of developing a fracture.
Z score — This number reflects the amount of bone the patient has compared with other people in their age group and of the same size and gender. If this score is unusually high or low, it may indicate a need for further medical tests.
Small changes may normally be observed between scans due to differences in positioning and usually are not significant.