Osteoporosis is the result of the bones of the body weakening due to reduced bone density. Osteoporosis can lead to bones fracturing easily, resulting in pain and decreased mobility. A bone density test allows physicians to confirm suspected osteoporosis, set a baseline for future diagnosis or to identify patients who are at risk of developing this condition. Most bone density tests use low-energy X-rays to assess the health and strength of the hip bones and spine. Learning a few basics will allow you to understand the test results, too.
Step 1
Find your T-score on the report. This is a measure of the bone density in your hip and spine, compared with that of a healthy young adult. The T-score is given in units of standard deviation, a statistical calculation that determines how far from the average you are. For example, a T-score of 0 indicates that you have the same bone density as a healthy young adult, whereas a score of -1 indicates that you are one standard deviation lower than an average healthy young adult.
Step 2
Match your T-score with the appropriate category. A T-score between 0 and -1 indicates normal bone density. A reading between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass. Anything below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.
Step 3
Look for your Z-score on the report. This is commonly used to help interpret T-score results. The Z-score is calculated similarly to the T-score, i.e., in units of standard deviation. But it compares your bone density with that of a healthy person your age. Te Z-score is often used as an additional statistic, because many individuals experience bone loss as they age.
