What does this LOINC code represent?

This LOINC code identifies a lab observation, measurement, question, or clinical concept in a standardized format.

Is this enough to understand my test result?

No. The code identifies the test or observation, but the interpretation depends on the actual result, reference range, and clinical context.

LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 38266-3: DXA Calcaneus [T-score] Bone density

Name: LOINC Code 38266-3: DXA Calcaneus [T-score] Bone density
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T08:59:26.142Z

38266-3 is a LOINC code used to identify DXA Calcaneus [T-score] Bone density in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Views for bone density. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Lower extremity>Calcaneus.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Views for bone density. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Lower extremity>Calcaneus.

When is it used?

Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
Status: ACTIVE
Order vs observation: Observation
Method: DXA

What it does not mean

The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

DXA Calcaneus [T-score] Bone density

Views for bone density

Formula Input Parameter DefinitionsBMD = subject's bone mineral density (BMD), MEAN_BMD = mean BMD of reference population, and SD = standard deviation of BMD within reference population.

BMD; Bone Densiometry; Bone Density Scan; Calcaneous; Den; Densiometry; DEX; DEXA; Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry; EXT; Films; Heel; Imaging; LE; Leg; Low; Os calcis; Oscalcis; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Rad; RADIOLOGY; Random; T-score; View; Views for BMD; VWS

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

DXA Calcaneus [T-score] Bone densityDXA Heel T-score BMDViews for bone densityRADTscorePtLower extremity>Calcaneus

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code38266-3

SystemLOINC

Display nameDXA Calcaneus [T-score] Bone density

DescriptionViews for bone density

Short nameDXA Heel T-score BMD

ComponentViews for bone density

PropertyTscore

TimingPt

System (specimen)Lower extremity>Calcaneus

ScaleQn

MethodDXA

ClassRAD

Example unitsTscore

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.14

Last changed2.68

Part names

Views for bone densityTscorePtLower extremity>CalcaneusQnDXAT-scorePoint in time (spot)CalcaneusDual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.