In reference to comparative radiation doses, which statement is TRUE regarding a central DXA scan?

In reference to comparative radiation doses, which statement is TRUE regarding a central DXA scan?

• A. It is equivalent to an MRI scan
• B. It is more than a round-trip flight exposure
• C. It gives a dose less than a chest x-ray
• D. It matches exposure from a week of living in the city

Answer: (C)

A central DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan provides a very low level of radiation exposure compared to other imaging modalities. When comparing radiation doses, the amount of radiation emitted during a DXA scan is typically less than that of a chest x-ray, which is why this statement is accurate. In clinical practice, the average dose from a central DXA scan is about 1-5 µSv (micro sieverts), which is significantly lower than the average dose from a standard chest x-ray, which is around 100 µSv. This low exposure is one of the reasons why DXA scans are favored for assessing bone density, particularly in populations at risk for osteoporosis or fractures. Understanding the context of radiation doses across different imaging methods helps highlight the safety and effectiveness of DXA scans, emphasizing their advantage in minimizing radiation exposure while still providing essential diagnostic information for bone health.

A central DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan provides a very low level of radiation exposure compared to other imaging modalities. When comparing radiation doses, the amount of radiation emitted during a DXA scan is typically less than that of a chest x-ray, which is why this statement is accurate.

In clinical practice, the average dose from a central DXA scan is about 1-5 µSv (micro sieverts), which is significantly lower than the average dose from a standard chest x-ray, which is around 100 µSv. This low exposure is one of the reasons why DXA scans are favored for assessing bone density, particularly in populations at risk for osteoporosis or fractures.

Understanding the context of radiation doses across different imaging methods helps highlight the safety and effectiveness of DXA scans, emphasizing their advantage in minimizing radiation exposure while still providing essential diagnostic information for bone health.