RAD 115 - Introduction to Bone Densitometry

 
Description: This course offers an introduction to the foundations of Bone Densitometry. Designed to support skill development in specific content areas and to ensure that entry-level bone densitometry technologists.

Credits: 1
Lecture: 1
Lab: 0

Course Content:

1. Fundamentals
2. Osteology
3. Pathology
4. Treatment and Prevention
5. Equipment
6. Scanning Preparation and Safety
7. Essentials of Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX)
8. Dexa (DXA) Scanning of the Lumbar Spine
9. Dexa (DXA) Scanning of the Proximal Femur
10. Dexa (DXA) scanning of the Forearm
11. Patient Care and Bone Health Risk Factors
12. Precision Studies, Serial Scanning, and Quality Control (QC)

1. Describe the physiology of osteoporosis and the process of bone remodeling. (1-2)
2. Recognize the dangers of fragility fractures in patients with osteoporosis, as well as prevention and treatment strategies. (4,11)
3. Explain the diagnosis of osteoporosis using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). (3-4)
4. Discuss the applications and advantages of bone densitometry scanning, as well as alternative imaging modalities for bone density evaluation. (4-5)
5. List the components and possible scanning geometries of DXA systems. (5)
6.  Explain the scan analysis software for DXA systems, as well as sources of accuracy and precision errors. (7,12)
7. Discuss basic quality control (QC) procedures, the use of phantoms, QC procedures, and manufacturer-specific QC requirements.  (12)
8. Recognize scanner maintenance, repair, and upgrade SOPs, as well as documentation and record keeping requirements. (5,12)
9. List the steps in acquiring a patient medical history, preparing a patient for DXA scanning, and the requirements for follow-up and serial scanning. (6,11,12)
10. Describe the indications, contraindications, and positioning challenges for routine bone densitometry scans including: forearm scans and fracture risk assessment (FRAX). (8-10)
11. Explain the scan acquisition and notable findings for routine bone densitometry scans including: forearm scans and FRAX. (8-10)