I am currently living in Barbados. I recently had a bone density CT scan which gave me a T-score of -2.7, diagnosing osteoporosis. Is a CT scan a reliable way of diagnosing osteoporosis, or do I need to have a DEXA scan? This is not available in Barbados, but I could arrange to have one done when I visit the UK later this year. Regards, Christine Taitt
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Q: Is a CT bone density scan a reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis or do I need a DEXA scan
Answers (1)
7/ 6/12 8:15pm
Hi Chris, welcome! A CT scan will over estimate your bone density score, by approximately 1 standard deviation point. DXA aka DEXA are the gold standard for measuring bone density. It's up to you if you want to schedule one, but just know that your score on a CT scan also known as QCT is 1 SD point worse than what it would be on a DXA. I had a QCT when I was first diagnosed and when I had the DXA, my score change (improved in score) by almost 1 SD point. If you need medical information to back this up see this link from the Univ of Washington's Bone Physiology Course.
Good luck to you and talk to your doctor about this.
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By Chris— Last Modified: 02/19/13, First Published: 07/02/12
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Thanks for this information Pam. I have booked to have a DEXA scan in September in the UK. I will see my GP in Barbados when I return to decide whether or not I need to go on medication. I would prefer just to take Calcium and Vitamin D if I can. Thanks again.