Medical equipment (DXA) reliability and the management of its quality control by the clinical user

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) equipment is designed for human and animal research and clinical diagnoses. Controversial impression concerning its use is dictated by various critical appraisals and clinical reports. This study will cross-validate and compare DXA fan beam scannings with direct dissection and computed tomography (CT) scanning data. Twelve porcine carcasses, were measured with DXA and CT before dissection into its major components. Tissue samples were chemical and hydration analysed. The complete skeleton was ashed. This users-quality evaluation confirms that part of the existing problem results from erroneous terminology suggested by the manufacturer. The predictive values of DXA are good. The precision capacity of DXA variables resulted into significant differences indicating that clinical precision for the individual patient is at risk in particular for bone data.