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Osteoporosis and Bone Densitometry Measurements pp 179–195Cite as

Radiation Protection and Quality Assurance in Bone Densitometry

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Part of the book series: Medical Radiology ((Med Radiol Diagn Imaging))

Abstract

It is widely recognized that early diagnosis of osteoporosis is of paramount importance to prevent fractures. Several X-ray based imaging techniques capable of assessing bone quantity and quality have been developed. However, exposure to ionizing radiation carries a potential risk and, for this reason, it is necessary to ensure adequate radiation protection for patients and staff. This chapter provides (a) the general terminology used in quantifying radiation, (b) a brief review of the system of radiation protection, and (c) data on the levels of radiation exposure associated with methods used for diagnosis of osteoporosis. Moreover, the importance of quality assurance in bone densitometry is discussed and quality control tests are proposed to ensure that DXA devices are operating according to specifications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Physics, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    J. Damilakis

  2. Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital of Heraklion, P.O. Box 1352, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    G. Solomou

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  2. G. Solomou
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Correspondence to J. Damilakis .

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  1. , Department of Radiology, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia, 71100, Italy

    Giuseppe Guglielmi

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Damilakis, J., Solomou, G. (2013). Radiation Protection and Quality Assurance in Bone Densitometry. In: Guglielmi, G. (eds) Osteoporosis and Bone Densitometry Measurements. Medical Radiology(). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2012_612

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2012_612

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