Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, previously
DEXA) is a means of measuring bone mineral
density (BMD). Two X-ray beams with
differing energy levels are aimed at the patient's bones.
When soft tissue absorption is subtracted out,
the BMD
can be determined from the absorption of each beam by bone. Dual
energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most widely used and most
thoroughly studied bone density measurement technology. A T-score of -2.5 or less is indicative of osteoporosis.