DEXA CERTIFICATION EXAM
LATEST 2025 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
what is the SI units of exposure term for radiation equivalent in MEN? - Answer-severt
(Sv)
What unit of exposure measures the patient absorbed dose? - Answer-rad/mrad/gray
what is the estimates rang of radiation exposure to the patient during a central DEXA
scan? - Answer-1 - 10 µSv
uncontrollable Osteoporosis risk factors - Answer-genetics
gender
age
ethnicity
endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal
insufficincy)
controllable Osteoporosis risks - Answer-hormone levels
medication (steroids, anticoagulants)
smoking
alcohol
exercise
diet
Biochemical markers - Answer-Laboratory tests on blood and urine to detect levels of
bone formation or resorption.
use in conjunction with DEXA
what is the current manufacture recommendation for the distance of the operator
console from the source? - Answer-1 meter
FRAX - Answer-Fracture risk assessment tool developed by World Health Organization.
only with hip
fragility fracture - Answer-fracture caused by low level trauma
VCF - Answer-vertebral compression fracture
, When scanning which are causes of poor bone edge detection? - Answer-extremely low
bone mass
motion in the ROI
variant anatomy in the ROI
A satisfactory proximal femur DXA scan should include: - Answer-posterior rotation of
the lesser trochanter so it is barely visible
the entire femoral head and acetabulum
the femoral shaft parallel with the vertical edge of the scanned field
The annual occupational effective dose limit for the adult radiation worker is? - Answer-
5 rem (50 mSv)
What are the 2 major components of a lumbar vertebra? - Answer-the vertebra body
and posterior elements
Precision in densitometry is the ability to: - Answer-reproduce the same results in repeat
measurements of the same object
What is bone edge detection? - Answer-A subtraction technique based on the different
attenuation characteristics of bone and soft tissue.
What is the most effective method of operator protection? - Answer-distance
An anthropomorphic phantom has human-like attributes, which are used for - Answer-
daily QC, tracking changes in equipment function
What occurs when osteoclastic activity exceeds the osteoblastic activity? - Answer-
excessive resorption, bone loss
What anatomical landmark in a femur DXA scan is usually in line with the lower portion
of the ischium? - Answer-lesser trochanter
basic DXA equipment safety? - Answer-Caution patients about pinch points
inspect electrical cords for hazards
post caution and safety signs in required areas
install a designated outlet for DXA equipment only
review the emergency stop button protocols
dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, which methods are used to produce dual energy? -
Answer-K-edge filtration and energy switching
QC failures require which action from the operator? - Answer-run the QC again (once or
twice, per manufacturer guidelines) and then call for service if it does not fall back within
the limits
LATEST 2025 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
what is the SI units of exposure term for radiation equivalent in MEN? - Answer-severt
(Sv)
What unit of exposure measures the patient absorbed dose? - Answer-rad/mrad/gray
what is the estimates rang of radiation exposure to the patient during a central DEXA
scan? - Answer-1 - 10 µSv
uncontrollable Osteoporosis risk factors - Answer-genetics
gender
age
ethnicity
endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal
insufficincy)
controllable Osteoporosis risks - Answer-hormone levels
medication (steroids, anticoagulants)
smoking
alcohol
exercise
diet
Biochemical markers - Answer-Laboratory tests on blood and urine to detect levels of
bone formation or resorption.
use in conjunction with DEXA
what is the current manufacture recommendation for the distance of the operator
console from the source? - Answer-1 meter
FRAX - Answer-Fracture risk assessment tool developed by World Health Organization.
only with hip
fragility fracture - Answer-fracture caused by low level trauma
VCF - Answer-vertebral compression fracture
, When scanning which are causes of poor bone edge detection? - Answer-extremely low
bone mass
motion in the ROI
variant anatomy in the ROI
A satisfactory proximal femur DXA scan should include: - Answer-posterior rotation of
the lesser trochanter so it is barely visible
the entire femoral head and acetabulum
the femoral shaft parallel with the vertical edge of the scanned field
The annual occupational effective dose limit for the adult radiation worker is? - Answer-
5 rem (50 mSv)
What are the 2 major components of a lumbar vertebra? - Answer-the vertebra body
and posterior elements
Precision in densitometry is the ability to: - Answer-reproduce the same results in repeat
measurements of the same object
What is bone edge detection? - Answer-A subtraction technique based on the different
attenuation characteristics of bone and soft tissue.
What is the most effective method of operator protection? - Answer-distance
An anthropomorphic phantom has human-like attributes, which are used for - Answer-
daily QC, tracking changes in equipment function
What occurs when osteoclastic activity exceeds the osteoblastic activity? - Answer-
excessive resorption, bone loss
What anatomical landmark in a femur DXA scan is usually in line with the lower portion
of the ischium? - Answer-lesser trochanter
basic DXA equipment safety? - Answer-Caution patients about pinch points
inspect electrical cords for hazards
post caution and safety signs in required areas
install a designated outlet for DXA equipment only
review the emergency stop button protocols
dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, which methods are used to produce dual energy? -
Answer-K-edge filtration and energy switching
QC failures require which action from the operator? - Answer-run the QC again (once or
twice, per manufacturer guidelines) and then call for service if it does not fall back within
the limits
