Bone density tests can be useful tools when trying to determine
the strength of your bones. They can help you see if you have
more or less bone than others your age, and how your bone density
compares to that of a younger person. A T-Score of -2.5 or more
standard deviations below young adults is considered the beginning
point for osteoporosis. Also, the risk of fracture is suggested
to increase with each standard deviation decrease in bone mass.
Sequential bone density measurements are very useful for distinguishing
if the bone density is stable, or if there is on-going bone loss.
Those at greatest risk for fracture are those who have low bone
density and are experiencing on-going bone loss.
There are four common bone density tests: Ultrasound, SPA (single-photon
absorptiometry), QCT (quantitative computed tomography), and DEXA
(dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). The following chart describes
each of these bone density tests:
|
Type of Bone Tests
|
Radiation
|
What Does it Measure?
|
OEP Assessment
|
|
Ultrasound
|
No
|
Heel, Wrist, Shinbone, Finger
|
Screening Test
|
|
SPA
|
Yes
|
Heel, Wrist, Finger
|
Screening Test
|
|
QCT
|
Yes
|
Spine, Wrist
|
Good, but more radiation exposure
|
|
DEXA
|
Yes
|
Spine, Hip
|
Most Often Used
|
|
|
|
