Bone Density Test
Health Checkups
≈ ¥200-500
(≈ $30-70)
15 min
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Description
Estimated cost for Bone Density Test at general public hospitals in China is about ¥140-400, and at Grade 3A hospitals about ¥200-500, varying by hospital tier and region.
Main Uses
Bone density testing, also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is primarily used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess the risk of fractures, monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment, and evaluate bone health in patients taking medications that can affect bone density, such as long-term corticosteroid use.
Normal Range
The normal range for bone density (measured as T-score) is -1.0 and above. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia, while a score of -2.5 or lower is indicative of osteoporosis. The Z-score, which compares an individual's bone density to the average for their age and sex, should be within 2 standard deviations of the mean.
Low Values - Possible Causes
Low bone density can be caused by aging, hormonal changes such as menopause, inadequate calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, and certain medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism or gastrointestinal disorders that affect nutrient absorption.
High Values - Possible Causes
High bone density is less common but can occur due to conditions such as osteopetrosis, where bones become abnormally dense, Paget's disease of bone, which can lead to areas of increased bone turnover, and in some cases, it may be a result of over-supplementation with calcium or vitamin D.