What is a bone density test?
A bone density test is an imaging scan that uses a low dose of X-rays to examine the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones. One of the most common reasons to have a bone density test is to screen for or monitor osteoporosis.
By knowing your bone density, you can take proactive steps to care for your bone health and reduce your risk of fractures as you age. This test goes by many names, including bone densitometry, DXA scan, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan or bone density scan.
Types of DEXA scans:
Interpreting your bone density scan results
After a radiologist reviews your scan, the physician who referred you for a DEXA scan will get a report with the results. This report will include two scores—T and Z scores. If your results show possible bone mass loss, osteoporosis or other concerns, your referring physician will discuss your next steps and what treatment options may be right for you. See below for an explanation of the T score and Z score and how to make sense of the results of your DEXA scan.
Z score
Your Z score compares your bone density to other people of a similar age, race, gender and size.
While it isn’t used to diagnose osteoporosis, your doctor may request more tests if this number is higher or lower than the average range.
This is usually reported only for premenopausal women or women under age 50.
T score
Your care team uses the T score to help diagnose conditions like osteopenia (low bone mass) or osteoporosis. The T score also helps your doctor estimate your risk of fractures. It compares your bone mass with the peak bone mass of a young adult of the same gender.
T score categories:
- Normal: -1 and above
- Osteopenia: -1.1 to -2.4
- Osteoporosis: -2.5 and under
Our women's imaging centers near you
Several of our locations provide bone density scans to care for you, including imaging centers, women’s imaging centers and clinics throughout North and Central Texas.
