第三章X线学、放射安全和骨密度测量的质量保证2012.pptVIP

Different manufacturers use different calibration methods. Set by the manufacturer. This is mainly dependent on what method for producing dual energies is used. Scanners that use voltage switching (Hologic) need internal calibration. Scanners that use k-edge filters (GE-Lunar, Norland) need external calibration. Internal calibration works like this: Between the x-ray source and the patient, there is a calibration wheel (on newer system a drum). This wheel contains known amount of density (bone equivalent, air equivalent, and soft tissue equivalent). As the x-ray passes through the calibration beam, the x-ray source is continually calibrated to ensure stability of the the two energy peaks required for DXA. The practical side of this is that the technologist does not need to scan a calibration standard (different from phantom) daily. External calibration works like this: There is no calibration wheel between the x-ray source and the patient. Instead, each day the technologist must scan a calibration standard. This standard contains known amount of density (bone equivalent, air equivalent, and soft tissue equivalent). This ensures the stability of the the two energy peaks required for DXA. The practical side of this is that the technologist must scan the calibration standard (different from phantom) daily before scanning any patients. NOTE: Phantoms monitor the daily performance of your scanner: the phantom BMD value should remain stable over time. GE-Lunar aluminum phantoms (top). Water bath is soft tissue equiv. Norland (lower left) and Hologic (lower right) Hydroxyappatite phantoms. Phantoms are different from calibration standards. They do not ensure the stability of the dual energy beam. Instead they enable the center to monitor for shifts or drifts in the results (the causes are listed on the next two slides). Phantoms have a well-defined and narrow range of BMD values. For example, a phantom may have a range of BMD of 1.00 to 1.100. If the daily phanto