A new number can feel like a verdict on your effort. Before judging your progress, ask whether the scans can be compared and whether the difference exceeds measurement variability.
What is least significant change?
Least significant change (LSC) is a threshold based on a facility’s measurement precision. Your report should explain whether the change in bone mineral density (BMD) exceeds that threshold. A small change in T-score alone does not establish meaningful bone gain or loss.
Check that the comparison is valid
ISCD recommends returning to the same DXA device when appropriate precision information is available. Different machines require cross-calibration for a quantitative comparison; without it, a new baseline may be needed. Ask the interpreting clinician whether the same skeletal site and usable regions were compared.
Three questions for the report review
- Are these scans technically comparable?
- What is the BMD change, and does it exceed this facility’s LSC?
- Does this result change my care plan or follow-up timing?
Repeat-scan timing should be individualized and useful to care decisions. Do not schedule extra scans simply to check whether a short exercise block worked.
Keep two kinds of progress separate
A workout log tells you what you practiced. A DXA report measures something different. Keep your appointment notes beside your activity history, but do not label a longer workout streak as a measured bone-density improvement. Review your logged progress, and bring questions about scan results to your clinician.