After testing is complete, the information obtained during the test is displayed on a computer monitor. A physician known as a radiologist examines the information. Radiologists are experts in interpreting medical images. The radiologist makes a diagnosis that is expressed in the form of two scores:

• T score. A number that indicates the level of bone density the patient has compared to someone of the same sex who has peak bone mass (usually a healthy 30-year-old adult). Most commonly the femurs (thigh bones) and spine are used to assess density. Differences between an individual's score and an ideal score are measured in units called standard deviations.
  
  A T score of 0 indicates that the patient's bone density equals that of a healthy young adult. Higher scores indicate increased bone density, and lower scores suggest lower bone density. Scores above -1 are considered normal, and scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate lower-than-normal bone density (osteopenia), usually a first stage of bone loss. Osteopenia can lead to osteoporosis if left untreated. A score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis. The lower the score, the more severe the osteoporosis.
  
  
• Z score. A number that indicates the level of bone density the patient has compared to someone in the same age group, body size and sex. Whereas T scores are used to diagnose osteoporosis, Z scores can help determine whether factors other than aging - such as an underlying disease or condition - may be responsible for bone loss. Z scores that are significantly higher or lower than the average may indicate the need to undergo further testing.

A patient’s T score and Z score can be used to help determine whether a person has normal bone density or osteoporosis. If bone loss is not severe enough to qualify as osteoporosis, osteopenia may be diagnosed. This low bone mass can result from several factors, including heredity, patient history of less-than-ideal bone mass during youth, presence of various medical conditions or the use of certain types of medications.

Physicians who are specialists in other fields (e.g., rheumatologists, endocrinologists) also may review the images from the test. After all the procedural information has been compiled and diagnosis has been suggested, the information will be forwarded to the patient’s primary care physician. This physician will then discuss the results with the patient and craft an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for low bone mass includes changes in diet that emphasize foods rich in calcium or vitamin D. Undertaking weight-bearing exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, dancing) also helps build bone mass, even for people in the senior years. In some cases, a physician may also prescribe medications that help prevent or even reverse osteopenia or osteoporosis.