Single photon absorptiometry
Single Photon Absorptiometry
Single Photon Absorptiometry (pronunciation: sin-guhl foh-ton ab-sorp-shee-om-i-tree) is a medical imaging technique used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It is a type of Absorptiometry, which is a general term for techniques that measure absorption of radiation.
Etymology
The term is derived from the words 'single', 'photon', and 'absorptiometry'. 'Single' comes from the Old English 'sengl', meaning 'separate, individual'. 'Photon' is derived from the Greek 'photos', meaning 'light', and 'absorptiometry' is a combination of 'absorption' and 'metry', which comes from the Greek 'metron', meaning 'measure'.
Procedure
In Single Photon Absorptiometry, a low-level radioactive source emits photons that are absorbed by the bone and soft tissue. The amount of radiation absorbed by the bone is then measured, providing an estimate of the bone's mineral density. This technique is often used in the diagnosis of Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue.
Related Terms
- Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA): A technique similar to Single Photon Absorptiometry, but uses two different X-ray energies to estimate bone mineral density.
- Osteopenia: A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal, often considered a precursor to osteoporosis.
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD): The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue, often measured using absorptiometry techniques.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Single photon absorptiometry
- Wikipedia's article - Single photon absorptiometry
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