Which feature of DXA contributes to its good precision?

Which feature of DXA contributes to its good precision?

• A. Stable calibration
• B. Longer scan time
• C. Higher radiation dosage
• D. Using multiple isotopes

Answer: (A)

Stable calibration is a critical feature of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) that contributes significantly to its precision. Calibration involves the process of adjusting the system to ensure that the measurements it provides accurately reflect the true bone mineral density (BMD) of the patient being assessed. When DXA machines maintain a stable calibration over time, they can produce consistent results that are reliable for clinical assessments and longitudinal studies. This stability reduces variability in measurements due to fluctuations in the machine's operation or external conditions, thus enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of the results. In contrast, options like longer scan time, higher radiation dosage, and using multiple isotopes do not enhance the precision of DXA in the same way. Longer scan times might increase the amount of data collected but can introduce fatigue in patients and potentially affect movement, which may adversely impact precision. Higher radiation dosage is generally undesirable in diagnostic imaging as it raises safety concerns for patients without necessarily improving measurement precision. Lastly, using multiple isotopes is not a standard practice in DXA, which relies on two distinct energy levels of X-rays to assess bone density, rather than employing multiple isotopes that could complicate the interpretation of results. Thus, stable calibration stands out as the vital element that

Stable calibration is a critical feature of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) that contributes significantly to its precision. Calibration involves the process of adjusting the system to ensure that the measurements it provides accurately reflect the true bone mineral density (BMD) of the patient being assessed. When DXA machines maintain a stable calibration over time, they can produce consistent results that are reliable for clinical assessments and longitudinal studies. This stability reduces variability in measurements due to fluctuations in the machine's operation or external conditions, thus enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of the results.

In contrast, options like longer scan time, higher radiation dosage, and using multiple isotopes do not enhance the precision of DXA in the same way. Longer scan times might increase the amount of data collected but can introduce fatigue in patients and potentially affect movement, which may adversely impact precision. Higher radiation dosage is generally undesirable in diagnostic imaging as it raises safety concerns for patients without necessarily improving measurement precision. Lastly, using multiple isotopes is not a standard practice in DXA, which relies on two distinct energy levels of X-rays to assess bone density, rather than employing multiple isotopes that could complicate the interpretation of results. Thus, stable calibration stands out as the vital element that