title: Validation of the Dutch guidelines for dual X-ray absorptiometry measurement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Europe, a case-finding strategy for osteoporosis is recommended above widespread population-based screening. However, no universally accepted policy currently exists. In 2005, the Dutch College of General Practitioners published guidelines for GPs to select patients for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the Dutch guidelines to select participants with osteoporosis for DXA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 345 females aged over 50 years (mean age = 62 years, standard deviation [SD] = 8.3) and 99 males over 65 years of age (mean age = 72 years, SD = 5.2) of a Dutch general practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the Dutch case-finding instrument for selecting patients with osteoporosis for DXA measurement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sensitivity was 19.5%, specificity 85.6%, PPV 18.6%, and NPV 86.6%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Dutch guidelines are unreliable in detecting people at risk for osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: The Centre of Research for Psychology in Somatic diseases, Medical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands. n.a.verdijk@uvt.nl
authors.forename: Noortje A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Verdijk
authors.forename: Arnold C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Romeijnders
authors.forename: Jos J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Ruskus
authors.forename: Corien
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Sluijs
authors.forename: Victor J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Pop