What should you know about DEXA scan normal values?

Reports may include a T-score for comparison with healthy young-adult bone and a Z-score for comparison with people of a similar age and sex. The relevant score depends on why you were scanned and your stage of life. A value is not a diagnosis by itself; the measured site and the quality of the scan also matter.

Keep the full report and compare future scans using the same body site and, where possible, the same centre. Do not compare your number with a friend or an online chart without clinical context. Review calcium and vitamin D intake, exercise, smoking, alcohol and medicines with your clinician.

Arrange medical review if the report mentions a low-density range, a vertebral fracture assessment finding, or a change that concerns the reporting clinician. Seek urgent care after a fall with severe hip or back pain, inability to walk, or a visibly deformed limb.

Ask which score applies to you, which site was lowest, and whether the result changes your treatment or monitoring. Ask when a repeat scan would be useful and how your fracture history affects the interpretation.