BONE DENSITY SCANS

Consultant Radiologist, Dr R. Pearson, looks at the new faster bone density scanner which improves the detection of osteoporosis.

St. Anthony's bone densitometry services have been enhanced by the replacement of the previous scanner by the new, state-of-the-art, Hologic QDR 4500. This very fast fan beam scanner optimises the quality of the bone densitometry service allowing additional facilities and a vastly quicker scan time as well as a concise one page report format.

Improved speed
The much faster technology allows completion of a hip scan in as little as ten seconds, a lumbar spine scan in ten seconds and a forearm scan in thirteen seconds. This speed makes densitometry more comfortable for elderly or arthritic patients and for those with bone pain associated with osteoporosis.

New NHANES database
Hologic is the first manufacturer to provide a reference datadase from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which has been selected by the International Committee on Standards in Bone Densitometry. It is the standardised hip reference data for the USA now being used for research and interchangeability of results in modern clinical practice in the EEC and UK. St. Anthony's will now have results based on this reference database and therefore compatibility with other modern centers and all research data.

Improved precision
The scanner's precision is better than alternative fan and pencil beam scanners currently available.

New forearm site scanning
This often provides useful information in borderline cases or in patients with bilateral total hip replacements whose hip readings are rendered useless.

Comparability with old data
The new NHANES database produces results within 1% of those obtained on the previous Hologic 100 scanner so interpretation of follow up results can be made.

New one page report format
Concise, easy to read recording and reporting including easy comparison with new scans to monitor treatment and progress.

Telephone the X-Ray department on 020 8337 6691 to make an appointment.

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