Development of training syllabi for radiation protection and quality assurance of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) systems

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2008;129(1-3):211-3. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncn088. Epub 2008 Apr 8.

Abstract

The use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) is on the increase. A single DXA scan is a relatively low-dose diagnostic X-ray examination; however, radiation protection (RP) issues should not be trivialised. One objective of the EU 6th Framework SENTINEL co-ordination action was to develop training syllabi in RP and quality assurance (QA) for BMD, and this study presents the results. An EU-wide survey was carried out which confirmed that there was a need for an accredited DXA RP training course in many EU states. There is also limited published guidance on acceptance testing/QA for DXA. Two training syllabi were developed: one on RP and one on QA of DXA systems. A training course was delivered in Ireland in 2006 by the Medical Physics & Bioengineering Department of St James's Hospital, Dublin. Following the training course, a PC-based training CD was developed and will be made available. A harmonised approach to training will promote consistent approaches to radiation safety across the EU.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon / methods*
  • Absorptiometry, Photon / standards
  • Bone Density*
  • Data Collection
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination
  • Program Development*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care*
  • Radiation Protection / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Radiation Protection / methods*
  • Radiology / education*