At what age should all women have a DEXA screening at least once?

• A. 60 years old
• B. 50 years old
• C. 65 years old should have it done at least once.
• D. 70 years old

Answer: (C)

DEXA screening measures bone mineral density to detect osteoporosis and help predict fracture risk. For women without strong risk factors, the first screening is recommended at age 65. If risk factors are present (such as low body weight, smoking, family history of osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, or prior fractures), screening may occur earlier. The ages 60 and 50 would be earlier than typically advised for average risk, and waiting until 70 could miss the opportunity to identify osteoporosis sooner. Therefore, 65 is the appropriate starting point for a one-time screen.