Which test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis?

The Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is widely recognized as the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis due to its precision in measuring bone mineral density (BMD). The DEXA scan provides a clear quantitative assessment of bone density, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis.

This test utilizes two different X-ray beams to estimate bone density in specific areas, typically the hip and lumbar spine, which are prevalent sites for osteoporotic fractures. Its ability to produce accurate and reproducible results makes it the preferred choice for osteoporosis diagnosis. Additionally, the DEXA scan has the advantage of using a low dose of radiation compared to other imaging modalities, contributing to its safety and efficiency when assessing bone health.

In contrast, other tests like conventional X-rays may not detect early changes in bone density and are more suited for identifying fractures rather than osteoporosis. CT scans and MRI scans, while useful for visualizing bone and soft tissue, are not practical for routine screening or diagnosing osteoporosis because they are more costly, expose patients to higher levels of radiation, and do not measure BMD as specifically as a DEXA scan does. Hence, the DEXA scan remains the gold standard due to its specialized