How to choose between single or dualenergy xray systems. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa is the reference standard method used to measure bone mineral density bmd. Bone densitometry by dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa in preterm newborns. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry dxa is an x ray imaging technique primarily. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa is a quantitative radiological procedure for measuring bone mineral density bmd, a major determinant of bone strength. We have previously validated the use of dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa for. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry uses an xray source to produce photons of two different energies, which are attenuated as they pass through the tissues of the subject. Dual energy xray technique, which consists in combining two radiographs acquired at two distinct energies, allows to obtain both density and atomic number, thus to provide information about material composition, or at least. It is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density. The horizon dxa system has features for a complete fracture risk assessment and more. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry is the most widely used.
Whereas conventional single energy ct produces a single image set, dual energy data attenuation values at two energy spectra can be used to reconstruct. The most trusted dual energy xray absorptiometry scanner dxa or dexa dexa plus is a trusted resource to the leading concierge and regenerative medicine practices and athletic performance programs nationwide that are implementing dexa scanner technology to improve their clients lives. Bmc, and bone mineral density bmd from the three software versions. In some communities, a ct scan with special software can also be used to. A bone density test is used to measure bone mineral content and density. However, for more complex, multiphase exam protocols, like oncology or vascular imaging, dual energy ct has the potential to eliminate a few exam acquisition phases, therefore, lowering radiation dose and. Bmd alone does not provide information regarding the structural characteristics of bone and this limitation has been a driver for the development of techniques, including. The primary clinical application of dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa or dexa is the measurement of bone mineral content bmc, g and bone mineral density bmd, gcm 2 of the lumbar spine and proximal femur to assess risk for osteoporosis. Overview a dexa scanner uses lowlevel xrays to measure bone mineral density bmd of the lumbar spine, hip, andor forearm, typically for the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis. We are providing this updated information based on the recommendation by the american college of radiology and the international society for clinical densitometry for the following cpt codes. The discovery dxa system features bone densitometry technology that allows clinicians to assess bone health in patients who may be at risk discovery delivers. It compares your bone density to a normal score for a person of your same age and body size. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dexa screening, although recommended in clinical guidelines, remains markedly underutilized.
The dexa scan is an xray scan that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of different bones. Some food processors believe that, irrespective of the application, dual energy is always best. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dexa is a test that measures the density of your bones. Highresolution digital detector array, which improves fracture detection visualization of abdominal aortic calcifications. If indicated, use 33% radius of the nondominant forearm roi for diagnosis.
Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa is considered the gold standard for screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis by measuring bone mineral. These are basically nowadays digital radiography systems with images taken at two different energies. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa, previously dexa is a means of measuring bone mineral density bmd using spectral imaging. Simulating dualenergy xray absorptiometry in ct using. Answer dxa scanning is used to test bone density how strong your bones are. Development of an automated bone mineral density software. Two types of xray technology are used for food inspection todaysingle energy and dual energy. The performance of dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa in identifying children with decreased bone mass is increasing, but there is no consensus regarding how to interpret the results. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnosis osteopenia or osteoporosis. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa dexa definition.
Highspatialresolution bone densitometry with dualenergy xray. Trabecular bone score tbs is a graylevel textural measurement that can be extracted from a dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa image of the lumbar spine with proprietary software. Dexa is the technique of choice to diag nose osteoporosis and to monitor the response to treatment. This test is so accurate that your follow up dexa scan can be used to. However, the possible errors in assessing body composition in overweight individuals due to incorrect positioning or limitations of dxa to accurately assess both bone mineral density. Bone densitometry scan dual energy xray absorptiometry. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa is widely used for body composition measurements in normalweight and overweightobese individuals. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry an overview sciencedirect. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa continues to be a gold standard in the. It may be done using xrays, dual energy xray absorptiometry dexa or dxa, or a special ct scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine. Bone density scanning, also called dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of xray technology that is used to measure.
Best practices for dualenergy xray absorptiometry measurement. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dexa is a measurement technique used to determine bone mineral density. In general, the dose from a dual energy scan is lower than acr guidelines. What is a dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa or dexa scan. Comparison of software versions for body composition analysis. Additional applications of dxa that are relevant to nutrition research include. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa is a dominant technique for the measurement of bone mineral density bmd. Food manufacturers across the globe have been relying on xray technology since the early 1990s to protect consumers, reduce the risk of product recalls and safeguard their brands. Bone density scanning, also called dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of xray technology that is used to measure bone loss. Dxa is todays established standard for measuring bone mineral density bmd. Dxa measurements are used to diagnose osteoporosis, monitor changes in bmd over time, and estimate fracture risk, and, as such, are often integral to therapeutic intervention recommendations. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa is a technology that is widely used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess fraclure risk, and monitor changes in bone mineral density bmd. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa scans are used to detect osteoporosis and predict the risk of bone fracture.
Dual energy xray absorptiometry radiology reference. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry for bone mineral density and body composition assessment. These pictures are used to measure the density of the bones at the spine, hip, and forearm. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa is the most commonly used bone densitometric technique for children throughout the world, preferred over other techniques because. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry definition is absorptiometry in which the density or mass of a material such as bone is measured by comparing the materials absorption of xrays of two different energies and which is used especially for determining the mineral content of bone abbreviation dexa, dxa. A test that uses lowdose xrays to measure bone mineral density, including calcium content, in a section of bone. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa scans for screening purposes frequency limits dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa is an enhanced xray technology that is used to measure bone density and bone loss. Anomalies in the measurement of changes in bone mineral density of the spine by dualenergy xray absorptiometry. These parameters are computed from dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa or from quantitative computed tomography qct. Probably the first use of the dualenergy principle was in evaluating bone mineral density bmd using dualenergy xray absorptiometry dexa scans. We haveperformed the quality control procedures of lunar.
Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa uses two xray beams of different energy levels. When soft tissue absorption is subtracted out, the bone mineral density bmd can be determined from the absorption of each beam by bone. Dxa trunk or pelvic pctfm ge lunar dpxl, software version not reported. Prediction models for evaluation of totalbody bone mass. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa procedures manual.
Measuring body composition in overweight individuals by. Dual energy xray absorptiometry bone mineral densitometry iaea. In contrast to dexa, ct utilization is high and presents a valuable data source for opportunistic osteoporosis screening. Dual energy xray absorptiometry interpretation and.
Bone mineral densitometry with dual energy xray absorptiometry d. The physician accepts final responsibility for the quality of all dxa. International society for clinical densitometry guidance e. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa, or formerly dexa is a technique used to measure bone mineral density bmd.
The limitations of bone densitometers have been frequently addressed. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry in the diagnosis of. Quality control qc of dxa is very important for the accuracy of results and correct interpretation made by the physician. What are the results of a dual energy xray absorptiometry. Dual energy xray absorptiometry dexabone mineral density bmd imaging a. Bone mineral density bmd measured by dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa is the primary screening tool for diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry for bone mineral density and.
Radiographic features values are calculated for the lumbar vertebrae and femur preferentially, and if one of those sites is not suitable e. Dual energy ct, also known as spectral ct, is a computed tomography technique that uses two separate xray photon energy spectra, allowing the interrogation of materials that have different attenuation properties at different energies. It is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition involving the gradual loss of. Dexa dual energy xray absorptiometry scans provide a unique threecompartment model for the most accurate and precise segmented analysis of body fat percentage and lean tissue arms, legs, trunk and total body, visceral fat quantification in the abdominal region, and bone density scoring for key regions of interest. The world health organization diagnostic categories for normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis, based on t scores, are not applicable to children and adolescents who have not yet. Bone densitometry by dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa in. How to use dualenergy xray absorptiometry in a sentence. For various reasons, the dexa scan is considered the gold standard or most accurate test. Dexa is increasingly being used to determine body composition in a variety of settings, including obesity 1, sarcopenia 2, and elite sport 3. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dxa 1 is a clinically proven, accurate, and. Dualenergy xray absorptiometry dexa is a technique used to aid in the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Two xray beams, with different energy levels, are aimed at the patients bones.
The horizon dxa system is the latest in densitometry technology, but the dual energy xray does more than just measure bone density. Overview of dual energy xray absorptiometry dxa will be used to assess overall skeletal changes that often occur with age by measuring bone mineral content bmc and bone mineral density bmd. Bone densitometry, also called dualenergy xray absorptiometry, dexa or dxa. The 3dimensional 3ddxa software solution provides 3d models of the proximal femur shape and bone density from anteroposterior dxa scans. Best practices for dual energy xray absorptiometry measurement an.