Quality Bone Densitometry: Performance, Interpretation, and Clinical Application for Technologists

The core elements of this program focus on performing quality DXA scans, dissecting the data and applying this knowledge to a technologist’s role in patient care. This course, which focuses on quality DXA, is innovative, interactive and informative. The course emphasizes technical excellence in the performance, analysis and troubleshooting of bone densitometry scans. It provides standard practices and applications to raise the quality of DXA scan procedures and their impact on patient care. The program is designed to enhance awareness of the technical expertise involved in performing bone densitometry and applying protocols to address the everyday challenges. Attendees will come away with a strong sense of the considerable impact that a technologist plays in the delivery of quality DXA, and how that influences patient management.

Find an Upcoming Course

View Calendar
View All Offerings

Course Information

Course Objectives

After attending the course, participants should be better prepared to:

  • Design and implement quality control and assurance practices.
  • Perform a precision assessment and appreciate the requirement for clinical care.
  • Identify the anatomy relevant to clinical DXA scanning.
  • Implement consistent and appropriate technical acquisition and analysis techniques.
  • Perform a fracture risk assessment using FRAX.
  • Provide DXA interpreters sufficient information for a high-quality DXA report.
  • Discuss supplemental software and their application.
  • Demonstrate how to access features within the DXA software.
  • Understand how specific medical conditions and medications affect bone density.
  • Critically evaluate DXA scans to identify acquisition and analysis errors and implement resolution methods.
  • Recognize how technical errors impact clinical interpretation and patient care.

Target Audience

This course is appropriate for those involved in the performance of DXA scans and open to any health professional performing these scans.

On-Demand Learning Activities Included with Course Registration

Three On-Demand learning activities are included in the registration fees. While these are not required, it is suggested that registrants complete them in preparation for the course. Access to that content will be made available to registrants through the ISCD Learning Center before the program.

  • Overview of Osteoporosis
  • Fundamentals of Bone Densitometry, Physics, Radiation Safety, and Quality Assurance
  • What US Healthcare Providers Need to Know about DXA for Patient Care

Day 1: The Importance of the Technologist in Patient Care and Quality Performance of DXA Scans

Lectures
  • Welcome & Elements of DXA Quality Assurance & Maintenance
  • Precision Assessment & Components of a DXA Practice
  • Lumbar Spine Scans- Elements Critical to Quality
  • Femur Scans– Elements Critical to Quality
  • Forearm Scans– Elements Critical to Quality
  • Scan Interpretation & Fracture Risk Assessment
  • Supplemental DXA Applications
  • Application of DXA Tools & Software Features

Day 2: The Importance of Understanding and Applying the Science and Language of Densitometry

Lectures
  • Principles of Quality DXA and Clinical Case
  • Clinical Management of the Osteoporotic Patient
  • Technical & Clinical Cases
  • Clinical Application
  • Closing Q&A Session

Continuing Medical Education Credits

ISCD intends to offer this activity for ASRT Category A credit. As accreditation standards are updated regularly, the amount of credit awarded changes in accordance with the adjustments made to the standards. To view credit awarded or anticipated for a specific offering, please refer to the upcoming course you’d like to register for.

Partial credit cannot be given for either day. Participants’ attendance must be verified each day to ensure credit can be claimed. This activity can be used toward the RT Structured Education and CQR requirements for the ARRT.

Interested in offering this course Internationally?

ISCD offers Local Organizing Committees(LOC) the opportunity to license and offer specific ISCD educational programs. For more information on pricing and available courses, please visit our LOC Application. After reviewing the details, you can complete and submit the LOC Application to request an agreement. 

Looking for a different course? Here are some of our other offerings.