Course Description
Digital radiographic techniques allow clinicians to visualize bone structure. Unfortunately, they do not offer information about bone mineral density (BMD) factors, which can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of patients with osteoporosis. In contrast, bone densitometry helps to detect bone mineral loss at an early stage, because it provides accurate quantitative measurement of BMD. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is generally considered the gold standard in the assessment of patients’ BMD to determine the risk of fracture and to monitor treatment strategies. Recent advances in DXA equipment and technology have improved system accuracy. However, errors can result from a variety of issues ranging from improper equipment installation and maintenance, inadequate education and training in bone densitometry scanning techniques, improper quality assurance/control (QA/QC) procedures and protocols, as well as insufficient knowledge of current clinical guidelines by the scan interpreter. In order to obtain the greatest benefit from this diagnostic modality, QA and QC protocols need to be in place, monitored, and updated based on regulatory and/or manufacturer guidelines. This course will detail the current procedures of QC/QA in bone densitometry DXA scanning and emphasize the strict adherence of DXA operators and scan interpreters to the equipment manufacturers’ recommendations, current clinical guidelines, and regulatory accreditation protocols.

Learning Objectives
After reading this article, the participant should be able to:

• EXPLAIN the various components and technologies that make up a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density system.
• OUTLINE the common anatomical sites scanned during a DXA examination and the associated risk parameters that are quantified.
• ESTIMATE the adult patient radiation dose received in a DXA examination and IDENTIFY the radiation safety measures that should be in place for the patient and DXA system operator.
• STATE how to set up a quality control (QC)/quality assurance (QA) program for a DXA system including calibration techniques and proper utilization of phantoms.
• IDENTIFY various techniques to determine both precision and measurement accuracy in DXA systems, including in vivo calibration techniques.
• ANALYZE various factors and pitfalls that may affect the accuracy of bone mineral density measurements due to lack of QC/QA programs.
  

Categories: Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), Quality Assurance(QA)/Quality Control (QC)

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 12 out of 14 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 1.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.