This DXA report indicates that the patient could either have normal bone density, osteopenia, or osteoporosis.
Case Description:
This DXA report indicates that the patient could have either the diagnosis of normal bone density, osteopenia or osteoporosis. There are no categories for mild osteopenia or more severe osteopenia. There should only be one diagnosis on a DXA report. There are many other elements missing on the report including the type of scanner/software and a statement about technical adequacy. The total hips are not reported. A sample DXA report is available on the ISCD website: /wp-content/uploads/2020/11/US-ADULT-DXA-SAMPLE-REPORT-2025.pdf) which describes recommended parts of a DXA report.
Credit:
Neil Binkley, MD, CCD, The University of Wisconsin-Madison
References:
• Krueger, D., et al., DXA Errors Are Common and Reduced by Use of a Reporting Template. J Clin Densitom, 2019. 22(1): p. 115-124.
• Johnston, R., et al., Quality assessment of bone density testing by DXA – Evaluation of technical and reporting deficiencies identified at a tertiary osteoporosis clinic. . J Clin Densitom, 2016. 19: p. 538-9