What does the DEXA test measure?

What does the DEXA test measure?

• A. Bone mineral density and fracture risk
• B. Kidney function
• C. Infection markers
• D. Liver enzymes

Answer: (A)

DEXA scans measure bone mineral density, typically at the hip and spine, using two X-ray beams of different energies. The results are compared to a reference population to produce a T-score and a Z-score. The T-score shows how much your bone density differs from a young, healthy reference group; a lower score means weaker bones and a higher risk of fracture. Because fracture risk is tightly linked to bone density, this test is used to diagnose osteoporosis, estimate fracture risk, and monitor changes with treatment. It doesn’t assess kidney function, infection markers, or liver enzymes, which are determined by other types of tests.