Ionizing Radiation Protection Principles in Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry- A Review Study

Abstract

Background: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, has become the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases due to its ability to show changes in bone density. This article discusses the importance of following ionizing radiation safety principles during DXA scanning for various groups, including patients, radiographers, children, pregnant women, and fetuses. Methods: Due to the limited number of published articles, data with no time limit until 2024 were collected using the ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Findings: The effective dose for pencil beam DXA devices is less than 1 μSv. However, doses from fan beam devices can reach up to 15 μSv, depending on the device's model and manufacturer. For medical exposures, there is no restriction on the number of scans. The use of a standard DXA clinical technique developed for adults leads to excessive radiation exposure in the use of DXA for children and adolescents. Conclusion: Radiation doses in DXA are very low compared to other medical imaging methods. However, ionizing radiation carries potential risks, and special attention should be paid to its justification and optimization, considering all radiation protection measures for patients, radiographers, children, pregnant women, and fetuses. © 2024 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.