What does a DEXA result of -1 or higher indicate?

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is commonly used to measure bone mineral density. The results of this scan are given in a T-score, which compares an individual's bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1.0 or higher is indicative of normal bone density, meaning that the bone density in the individual is within one standard deviation of the young adult mean.

When interpreting DEXA results, scores between -1.0 and -2.5 indicate osteopenia, which is a condition of lower-than-normal bone density but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. A score lower than -2.5 is used to diagnose osteoporosis, while scores even lower (like -2.5 or lower with a history of fractures) would indicate severe osteoporosis.

Thus, a DEXA result of -1.0 or higher characterizes an individual as having normal bone density, confirming that their bone density is within a healthy range, well above the thresholds for both osteopenia and osteoporosis.