Which assessment technique is used to determine bone mineral density?

The assessment technique used to determine bone mineral density is dual x-ray absorptiometry, often abbreviated as DXA or DEXA. This method is a highly accurate and reliable test that utilizes low-dose X-rays to measure the density of bones in specific areas of the body, typically the hip and spine. By assessing the amount of mineral content in the bones, DXA provides valuable information regarding bone health and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

The results from a DXA scan are quantified in terms of T-scores and Z-scores, which help healthcare providers understand an individual's bone density relative to that of a healthy young adult and to the average bone density of individuals of the same age and gender. This information is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and interventions related to bone health.

Other techniques mentioned, like hydrostatic weighing, are primarily used to assess body composition (specifically body fat and lean mass). Bioelectrical impedance measures body composition through the resistance of electrical flow in the body, effectively providing estimates of fat and lean mass but not directly assessing bone density. Near infrared scans can be used for estimating body fat and hydration levels but are not designed for evaluating bone mineral density. Thus, dual x-ray absorptiometry stands out as the gold standard for