DEXA Units
Bone Mineral Densitometry Equipment
This medical x-ray procedure started attracting attention from the medical community and patients in the early 1990s. The evaluation of Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) has evolved from being a "questionable" diagnostic procedure to a well-accepted clinical tool for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the major causes leading to bone fractures.
There are different modalities for BMD, such as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS), Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA) and Quantitative Computerized Tomography (QCT). Among these, DEXA has become the preferred modality because of its accuracy and low radiation dose.
BCCDC has conducted a study (A Study on the Radiological Safety of Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Bone Mineral Densitometry Equipment) on the radiation levels around DEXA equipment and has developed general guidelines for facility owners and operators concerning radiation protection requirements. Also included in this study are effective doses for patients and workers. Based on the finding from this study, a Radiation Issues Note, titled RIN 11 - Radiological Safety in the Design and Operation of DEXA Bone Densitometry Facilities was produced.