Development of training syllabi for radiation protection and quality assurance of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) systems.
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.
O'Connor
U
U
St James's Hospital, The Haughton Institute, Dublin, Ireland. uoconnor@stjames.ie
Dowling
A
A
Larkin
A
A
Sheahan
N
N
Gray
L
L
Gallagher
A
A
O'Reilly
G
G
Kosunen
A
A
Zdesar
U
U
Malone
J F
JF
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015519:Bone Density; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D016730:Program Development; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods*; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*