How do I read my DEXA scan results?

How do I read my DEXA scan results?

A T-score of 0 means your bone density is equal to that of a healthy young adult. The lower the T-score, the lower the bone density: A score of –1.0 to +1.0 means you have normal bone density. A score between –1.0 to –2.5 means you have low bone density (osteopenia).

What does osteoporosis look like on bone density scan?

When viewed microscopically, healthy bone looks somewhat like a honeycomb. In cases where osteoporosis is present, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb appear much bigger than those found in a healthy bone. Women and older adults are more at risk for developing osteoporosis.

What is a bad DEXA scan score?

It is important to understand a T score of -1 and above is perfectly normal once over 50. A T score between -1 and -2.5 indicates lower than normal bone density for age – this is referred to as osteopenia. A score lower than -2.5 indicates significant bone loss – 25% or more and this is classified as osteoporosis.

What percentage should my bone density be?

Bone Mass. Bone content is the percentage of bone mineral as compared to total body weight. The average bone content for adults is 3-5%. This measurement is good to keep track over a long period of time as bone mass can decline slowly with age.

What is at score in bone density?

A T-score shows how much your bone density is higher or lower than the bone density of a healthy 30-year old adult. A healthcare provider looks at the lowest T-score to diagnosis osteoporosis.

Is it bad if my bone mass is high?

Achieving a greater peak bone mass will increase the “bank” of calcium that your body may draw on throughout your life. If your body uses more calcium than what is available in your bones, your bone density may shrink and your bones may become thinner and weaker.

What is a severe osteoporosis T score?

A T-score between −1 and −2.5 indicates that you have low bone mass, although not low enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. A T-score of −2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis.

How accurate is a DEXA scan?

The simple answer to this question is no, DEXA scans are not an accurate way to measure your body composition. That said, no device can accurately measure how much muscle and fat you have.

What is a good DEXA scan score?

DEXA scores are reported as “T-scores” and “Z-scores.”. The T-score is a comparison of a person’s bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex. The Z-score is a comparison of a person’s bone density with that of an average person of the same age and sex.

How much does it cost to get a DEXA scan?

The test can be a waste of money. A DEXA scan costs about $125. And if your doctor prescribes a drug when you only have mild bone loss, you spend money you don’t need to. A month’s supply of generic alendronate can cost as much as $75.

What to expect during a DEXA scan?

What to Expect During your Bone Density Scan. Dexa scans are painless and typically completed within 10 minutes. You will lie flat on your back on a table and the x-ray imager will move above you. A technologist will remain the room with you during the exam. Prior to the exam, you will be asked to complete a .