There are certain radiation safety program requirements for healthcare facilities. Staying up-to-date on radiation safety measures is important for X-ray techs. It can help identify potential problems before they lead to a major accident.
Keeping the skeleton strong and healthy is a complex process. The amount, structure, composition, and position of the bones should all be correct. Any errors or changes in these can lead to bone disease. This article discusses the various causes of bone disease in humans.
There is considerable scientific knowledge about the causes, prevention, and treatment of bone disorders, but many gaps remain in this information. For example, it is not clearly understood why fractures occur in so many people. In this bone biology review, we look at some of the recent discoveries in skeletal genetics and metabolism that are expected to improve our understanding of bone health.
DXA is the most commonly used machine for BMD measurement. It is more common than other modalities such as QCT in osteoporotic patients. X-ray techs need at least a basic knowledge of DXA results interpretation. DXA results are expressed by two numbers known as T-score and Z-score.
A diet that is considered appropriate for optimal bone health is also recommended for overall good health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Thus, healthcare providers have an opportunity, at every patient encounter, to provide counseling with regards to good nutrition for healthy bones. This nutritional counseling is vital to prevent many common “lifestyle” diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Therefore, healthcare professionals should not miss this excellent opportunity to reinforce the importance of a healthy balanced diet in terms of both overall health and bone health.
Bone density testing is an important tool in the management of osteoporosis. Several different radiological modalities are available to measure bone density. Although each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, DXA is the most widely used. However, there are certain DXA scan errors that DXA operators and general radiographers should be aware of.