What T-score ranges define osteopenia and osteoporosis?

• A. Osteopenia: -1.0 to -2.5; Osteoporosis: ≤ -2.5
• B. Osteopenia: -2.5 to -3.5; Osteoporosis: -4.0 or lower
• C. Osteopenia: -1.0 to -2.0; Osteoporosis: -2.0 or lower
• D. Osteopenia: -0.5 to -1.5; Osteoporosis: -2.0 or lower

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how T-scores categorize bone density on a DXA scan. The T-score shows how many standard deviations your bone mineral density is from a young, healthy reference population. A T-score of -1.0 or higher is considered normal. When the score falls below -1.0 but is higher than -2.5, that indicates osteopenia—lower-than-normal bone density but not yet osteoporosis. A T-score of -2.5 or lower defines osteoporosis, signaling a substantial loss of bone density and a higher fracture risk. The option that assigns osteopenia from -1.0 to just under -2.5 and osteoporosis at -2.5 or lower matches this standard separation at the -2.5 threshold. It reflects the widely used cutoffs in clinical practice for diagnosing these conditions.