In addition to the individual reporting of occupational doses, the conditions under which workers are exposed to radiation are also monitored with workplace records. Sometimes workplace records must be relied upon to estimate individual doses when a particular employee’s occupational radiation dose record is not available. Workplace records are useful in assessing the effectiveness of the radiation safety program at a facility.
Many older individuals are diagnosed with osteoporosis based on the WHO criteria or prior fragility fractures. It is the healthcare provider’s responsibility to institute appropriate treatment of osteoporosis in older patients. In particular, patients with low bone mass and multiple risk factors for fractures should be considered for specific treatment of osteoporosis in old age. This is in addition to maximizing nutrition and emphasizing lifestyle modifications.
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.
In this article we talk about bone densitometry radiation dose and the techniques that radiologic technologists can apply to reduce it. The two key principles in patient radiation protection are justification and optimization. Justification implies that any X-ray exposure is justified clinically. It means the examinations that will not affect the patient’s care are avoided. Once an examination is justified, optimization consists of activities that reduce bone densitometry radiation dose. This means delivery of the smallest possible dose to the patient.