Dual X-ray absorptiometry and laser
Dual X-ray Absorptiometry and Laser
Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (pronounced: doo-al eks-ray ab-sorp-shee-om-uh-tree), often abbreviated as DXA or DEXA, is a technique used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). The etymology of the term comes from the combination of "dual", referring to the two X-ray energies used, "X-ray", the type of radiation, and "absorptiometry", which refers to the measurement of absorption.
DXA uses two different X-ray beams to estimate the bone mineral density in the patient's body. This technique is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fracture. DXA is also used to assess an individual's risk for developing fractures.
The laser (pronounced: lay-zer) in medical context is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation".
In the context of DXA, a laser is used to accurately position the X-ray beam and to measure the thickness of the patient's body. This allows for more precise measurements of bone density.
Related Terms
- Bone Mineral Density: The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue, measured by DXA.
- Osteoporosis: A disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone.
- Fracture: The breaking or cracking of a hard object or material, in this context, the bone.
- Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
- Electromagnetic Radiation: A kind of radiation including visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dual X-ray absorptiometry and laser
- Wikipedia's article - Dual X-ray absorptiometry and laser
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