Bone mineral density test

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Bone density scan

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

BMD test; Bone density test

The results of your test are usually reported as a "T score" and "Z score."

• The T score compares your bone density with that of healthy young women.
• The Z score compares your bone density with that of other people of your age, gender, and race.

In either score, a negative number means you have thinner bones than the standard. The more negative the number, the thinner your bones. A T score is within the normal range if it is a positive number, or at least no more negative than -1.0. (For example, -0.5 is within the normal range, although it is getting borderline.)

Your doctor will help you understand the results.

• A T score from -1 to -2.5 indicates the beginning of bone loss (osteopenia).
• A T score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.

Review Date: 11/08/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.