Osteoporosis Diagnosis: Understanding Bone Density Tests

Bone density tests are used to diagnose osteoporosis. This disease makes bones more likely to break by making them more fragile. Before bone density tests, osteoporosis couldn't be diagnosed until a bone broke.

Test

• X-rays are used to measure how many grams of bone minerals are in a segment of bone. The test is an accurate way to find osteoporosis or the risk of the condition.

Normal Results

• Results are listed as a T-Score. Scores above -1 are considered an indication of normal bone density.

Below Average T-Score

• Scores between -1 and -2.5 can be a sign of osteopenia. This is a below-average bone density, and it can be a precursor to osteoporosis.

Low T-Score

• T-scores below -2.5 are normally considered a sign of osteoporosis, according to MayoClinic.com.

Warnings

• Not all insurance providers cover these tests, according to MayoClinic.com, so talk to your insurance provider before having the test done. While bone density tests can point to possible reasons for low density, a complete medical evaluation is needed to determine its cause.