BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuBone mineral density testBMD test; Bone density test; Bone densitometry; DEXA scan; DXA; Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; p-DEXA; Osteoporosis - BMD; Dual x-ray absorptiometryA bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone.This test helps your health care provider detect osteoporosis or bone loss and predict your risk for bone fractures.OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers How the Test is Performed Bone density testing can be done in several ways.The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. DEXA uses low-dose x-rays. (You receive more radiation from a chest x-ray than a DEXA scan.)x-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article There are two types of DEXA scans:Central DEXA -- You lie on a soft table. The scanner passes over your lower spine and hip. In most cases, you do not need to undress. This scan is the best test to predict your risk for fractures, especially of the hip. Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA) -- These smaller machines measure the bone density in your wrist, fingers, leg, or heel. These machines are found in some health care offices, pharmacies, shopping centers, and at health fairs. How to Prepare for the Test If you are or could be pregnant, tell your provider before this test is done.DO NOT take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test.You'll be told to remove all metal items from your body, such as jewelry and buckles. How the Test will Feel The scan is painless. You need to remain still during the test. Why the Test is Performed Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are used to:Diagnose bone loss and osteoporosis See how well osteoporosis medicines are working Predict your risk for future bone fracturesThe US Preventive Services Task Force recommends this test for women age 65 and older and for some women younger than age 65 who have an increased risk of osteoporosis.There is not full agreement on whether men should undergo this type of testing. Some groups recommend testing of men at age 70, while others state that the evidence is not clear enough to say whether men will benefit from screening.Younger women, as well as men of any age, may also need bone density testing if they have risk factors for osteoporosis. These risk factors include:Fracturing a bone after age 50 Strong family history of osteoporosis History of treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer History of medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid imbalances, or anorexia nervosa Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anorexia nervosaAnorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Early menopause (either from natural causes or hysterectomy) MenopauseMenopause is the time in a woman's life when her periods (menstruation) stop. Most often, it is a natural, normal body change that occurs between ag...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term use of medicines such as corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, or aromatase inhibitors Low body weight (less than 127 pounds or 57 kilograms) or low body mass index (less than 20 kilograms per square meter) Significant loss of height Long-term tobacco or excessive alcohol use Normal Results The results of your test are usually reported as a T-score and Z-score:T-score compares your bone density with that of a healthy young woman. Z-score compares your bone density with that of other people of your age, sex, and race.With either score, a negative number means you have thinner bones than the comparison group. The more negative the number, the higher your risk for a bone fracture.A T-score is within the normal range if it is -1.0 or above. What Abnormal Results Mean Bone mineral density testing does not diagnose fractures. Along with other risk factors you may have, it helps predict your risk for having a bone fracture in the future. Your provider will help you understand the results.If your T-score is:From -1.1 to -2.4, you may have bone loss (osteopenia) Equal to or below -2.5, you likely have osteoporosis Treatment recommendations depend on your total fracture risk. This risk can be calculated using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score. Your provider can tell you more about this. You can also find information about FRAX online. Risks Bone mineral density uses a slight amount of radiation. Most experts feel that the risk is very low compared with the benefits of finding osteoporosis before you break a bone.Open ReferencesReferencesAlmohaya M, Almehthel M, Kendler D. Dual x-ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Smolen JS, van der Heiide D, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 48.LeBoff MS, Greenspan SL, Insogna KL, et al. The clinician's guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2022;33(10):2049-2102. PMID: 35478046 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35478046/.US Preventive Services Task Force; Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al. Screening for osteoporosis to prevent fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2025;333(6):498-508. PMID: 39808425 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39808425/.Weber TJ. Osteoporosis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 225.AllVideoImagesTogBone density scan - illustration A bone density scan measures the density of bone in a person. The lower the density of a bone the higher the risk of fractures. A bone scan, along with a patient's medical history, is a useful aid in evaluating the probability of a fracture and whether any preventative treatment is needed. A bone density scan has the advantage of being painless and exposing the patient to only a small amount of radiation.Bone density scanillustrationOsteoporosis - illustration Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.OsteoporosisillustrationOsteoporosis - illustration Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.OsteoporosisillustrationBone density scan - illustration A bone density scan measures the density of bone in a person. The lower the density of a bone the higher the risk of fractures. A bone scan, along with a patient's medical history, is a useful aid in evaluating the probability of a fracture and whether any preventative treatment is needed. A bone density scan has the advantage of being painless and exposing the patient to only a small amount of radiation.Bone density scanillustrationOsteoporosis - illustration Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.OsteoporosisillustrationOsteoporosis - illustration Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.OsteoporosisillustrationA Closer Look Osteoporosis(Alt. Medicine)Osteoporosis - InDepth(In-Depth)Back pain and sciatica - InDepth(In-Depth)Diabetes - type 1 - InDepth(In-Depth)Hyperparathyroidism(Alt. Medicine)Eating disorders - InDepth(In-Depth)Prostate cancer - InDepth(In-Depth)Menopause(Alt. Medicine)Potassium(Alt. Medicine)Sickle cell disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Self Care Managing menopause at home Tests for Bone mineral density test Bone mineral density testRelated Information Osteoporosis(Condition)Osteoporosis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/1/2025 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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Bone mineral density testBMD test; Bone density test; Bone densitometry; DEXA scan; DXA; Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; p-DEXA; Osteoporosis - BMD; Dual x-ray absorptiometryA bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone.This test helps your health care provider detect osteoporosis or bone loss and predict your risk for bone fractures.OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers How the Test is Performed Bone density testing can be done in several ways.The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. DEXA uses low-dose x-rays. (You receive more radiation from a chest x-ray than a DEXA scan.)x-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article There are two types of DEXA scans:Central DEXA -- You lie on a soft table. The scanner passes over your lower spine and hip. In most cases, you do not need to undress. This scan is the best test to predict your risk for fractures, especially of the hip. Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA) -- These smaller machines measure the bone density in your wrist, fingers, leg, or heel. These machines are found in some health care offices, pharmacies, shopping centers, and at health fairs. How to Prepare for the Test If you are or could be pregnant, tell your provider before this test is done.DO NOT take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test.You'll be told to remove all metal items from your body, such as jewelry and buckles. How the Test will Feel The scan is painless. You need to remain still during the test. Why the Test is Performed Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are used to:Diagnose bone loss and osteoporosis See how well osteoporosis medicines are working Predict your risk for future bone fracturesThe US Preventive Services Task Force recommends this test for women age 65 and older and for some women younger than age 65 who have an increased risk of osteoporosis.There is not full agreement on whether men should undergo this type of testing. Some groups recommend testing of men at age 70, while others state that the evidence is not clear enough to say whether men will benefit from screening.Younger women, as well as men of any age, may also need bone density testing if they have risk factors for osteoporosis. These risk factors include:Fracturing a bone after age 50 Strong family history of osteoporosis History of treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer History of medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid imbalances, or anorexia nervosa Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anorexia nervosaAnorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Early menopause (either from natural causes or hysterectomy) MenopauseMenopause is the time in a woman's life when her periods (menstruation) stop. Most often, it is a natural, normal body change that occurs between ag...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term use of medicines such as corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, or aromatase inhibitors Low body weight (less than 127 pounds or 57 kilograms) or low body mass index (less than 20 kilograms per square meter) Significant loss of height Long-term tobacco or excessive alcohol use Normal Results The results of your test are usually reported as a T-score and Z-score:T-score compares your bone density with that of a healthy young woman. Z-score compares your bone density with that of other people of your age, sex, and race.With either score, a negative number means you have thinner bones than the comparison group. The more negative the number, the higher your risk for a bone fracture.A T-score is within the normal range if it is -1.0 or above. What Abnormal Results Mean Bone mineral density testing does not diagnose fractures. Along with other risk factors you may have, it helps predict your risk for having a bone fracture in the future. Your provider will help you understand the results.If your T-score is:From -1.1 to -2.4, you may have bone loss (osteopenia) Equal to or below -2.5, you likely have osteoporosis Treatment recommendations depend on your total fracture risk. This risk can be calculated using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score. Your provider can tell you more about this. You can also find information about FRAX online. Risks Bone mineral density uses a slight amount of radiation. Most experts feel that the risk is very low compared with the benefits of finding osteoporosis before you break a bone.Open ReferencesReferencesAlmohaya M, Almehthel M, Kendler D. Dual x-ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Smolen JS, van der Heiide D, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 48.LeBoff MS, Greenspan SL, Insogna KL, et al. The clinician's guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2022;33(10):2049-2102. PMID: 35478046 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35478046/.US Preventive Services Task Force; Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al. Screening for osteoporosis to prevent fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2025;333(6):498-508. PMID: 39808425 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39808425/.Weber TJ. Osteoporosis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 225.
