Which technique is nonionizing and used to assess BMD in peripheral sites?

Which technique is nonionizing and used to assess BMD in peripheral sites?

• A. Quantitative ultrasound
• B. DXA
• C. Computed tomography
• D. Radiography

Answer: (A)

Nonionizing assessment of bone mineral density at peripheral sites is done with quantitative ultrasound. It uses sound waves passed through bone and measures properties such as speed of sound and attenuation, which correlate with bone density. Because it does not involve ionizing radiation, it’s safe for repeat screening and is convenient for peripheral sites like the heel. However, its precision is generally lower and more technique-dependent than DXA, which remains the gold standard for BMD assessment at central sites (like the hip and spine) and does use X-rays. The other modalities—DXA, computed tomography, and radiography—rely on ionizing radiation and aren’t the nonionizing peripheral option.

Nonionizing assessment of bone mineral density at peripheral sites is done with quantitative ultrasound. It uses sound waves passed through bone and measures properties such as speed of sound and attenuation, which correlate with bone density. Because it does not involve ionizing radiation, it’s safe for repeat screening and is convenient for peripheral sites like the heel. However, its precision is generally lower and more technique-dependent than DXA, which remains the gold standard for BMD assessment at central sites (like the hip and spine) and does use X-rays. The other modalities—DXA, computed tomography, and radiography—rely on ionizing radiation and aren’t the nonionizing peripheral option.