What it means
The usual test is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). The result is given as a T-score, which compares the client's bones with those of a healthy young adult: −1.0 or higher is normal, between −1.0 and −2.5 is osteopeniaos-tee-oh-PEE-nee-uhBone density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be called osteoporosis.oste/o bone-penia lack, deficiencyFull entry , and −2.5 or lower is osteoporosisos-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sisA condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.oste/o bonepor/o pore, small opening-osis abnormal conditionFull entry . The test is quick and painless, and the client lies still on a table.
For the nurse
Ask the client to remove metal objects and to say if they have had a barium study or contrast dye recently, which can affect the result. Screening is recommended for women 65 and older and for younger people with risk factors.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | DXA, DEXA |
|---|---|
| Spanish | densitometría ósea |
| Also written | bone density scans, DXA, DEXA, DEXA scan, DEXA scans, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone densitometry |
Related terms
osteoporosis
A condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.
bone density
The amount of mineral, mostly calcium, packed into a given area of bone, which reflects how strong the bone is.
osteopenia
Bone density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be called osteoporosis.