What is a serious T-score for osteoporosis?

A T-score of −2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis….The T-score.

Is a Bad T-score for osteoporosis?

The result is your T score. A T score of -1 to +1 is considered normal bone density. A T score of -1 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia (low bone density). A T score of -2.5 or lower is bone density low enough to be categorized as osteoporosis.

What is the most accurate test for osteoporosis?

The bone mineral density (BMD) test is the primary test used to identify osteoporosis and low bone mass. One of the preferred and most accurate ways to measure BMD is Dexa-Scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DXA). It uses a low energy X-ray to evaluate bone density in the hip and/or spine.

What test must be done to determine if a person has osteoporosis?

NOF recommends a bone density test of the hip and spine by a central DXA machine to diagnose osteoporosis. DXA stands for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. You can find out whether you have osteoporosis or if you should be concerned about your bones by getting a bone density test.

What test do they do to see if you have osteoporosis?

A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis — a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break. The test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.

What does the T score mean for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis was defined by the World Health Organization in 1994 as a T-score that is 25% lower than the average 30 year old or 2½ standard deviations below the mean or a T-score lower than -2.5. Some people have low bone density. You may hear this called osteopenia.

What is the bone density score for osteoporosis?

Bone density scans for osteoporosis. The World Health Organization has established the following classification system for bone density: • If your T-score is –1 or greater: your bone density is considered normal. • If your T-score is between –1 and –2.5: you have low bone density, known as osteopenia, but not osteoporosis.

What does t score mean on DEXA scan?

The DEXA scan or ultrasound will give you a number called a T-score, which represents how close you are to average peak bone density. The World Health Organization has established the following classification system for bone density: • If your T-score is –1 or greater: your bone density is considered normal.

What’s the difference between a T and Z bone density score?

A Z-score compares your bone density to the average bone density of people your own age and gender. For example, if you are a 60-year-old female, a Z-score compares your bone density to the average bone density of 60-year-old females. NOTE: Any post menopausal woman should always request her T-score rather than just her Z-score