Which statement best describes osteopenia on a DEXA scan?

• A. T-score above 0
• B. T-score below -3.0
• C. Osteoporosis is excluded
• D. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5

Answer: (D)

Interpreting a DEXA scan hinges on the T-score used to quantify bone density. The T-score compares a person’s bone density to that of a young, healthy reference population. A T-score of -1.0 or higher is considered normal. Osteopenia, the intermediate stage, is defined by a T-score from about -1.0 down to -2.5. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.

So, the statement that describes osteopenia best is the one noting a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5. An above-normal T-score (above 0) would not be osteopenia, a T-score below -3.0 would reflect osteoporosis, and saying osteoporosis is excluded doesn’t fit the classification of bone density stages.