Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Quality Matters

Errors in radiologic tests occur (1 –3). However, there is a clinical perception among osteoporosis specialists that errors in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) performance and reporting are extremely common (4,5) and recent evidence reinforces this belief (6–8). These errors are not inconsequential, and they have the potenti al to cause inappropriate clinical management (9), potentially affecting up to 40% of patients in 1 report (7). Possible reasons for such a high error rate include a decline in DXA reimbursement (10), the belief that DXA can be automated with results requiring no human oversight, and failure of the field to convey the seriousness of fragility fracture (11).
Source: Journal of Clinical Densitometry - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research