Which term describes a noninvasive method to assess bone density?

• A. Bone densitometry
• B. Osteoclasts
• C. Cardiac sonography applications
• D. M-mode sonography

Answer: (A)

Noninvasive assessment of bone mineral density is done with bone densitometry. This technique, often using DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), measures how much mineral is in a bone and provides a T-score or Z-score to evaluate osteoporosis risk. It is quick, uses only a small amount of radiation, and is the standard screening test to determine fracture risk and guide treatment decisions. The other options refer to different things: osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells, not a measurement method; cardiac ultrasound (including M-mode) is used for heart imaging, not bone density. So the term describing a noninvasive method to assess bone density is bone densitometry.