Norland Elite 437A150, Operator'S Manual

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Patient Scanning Procedure Overview
The Norland DXA system quantifies bone mineral in the lumbar spine, hip, lateral spine, and whole body for
computer and operator-defined regions of interest. The software automatically programs the system for the cor-
rect techniques and parameters based on the selected scan type.
1. The operator selects an existing patient's name from the Database Navigator window or enters a new
patient’s information into the Patient Demographics window.
2. The patient is positioned on the scan table, and a scan type is selected from the software.
3. The operator positions the scanner arm to the patient’s anatomy and defines the scan region. (A scout scan
is used on some scans to assist in defining the scan region.)
4. The actual scan completes without interruption or operator intervention. An audible indicator sounds at the
end of each scan.
5. After the scan has completed, the operator can analyze the scan immediately or save the scan data and ana-
lyze it later.
6. After scan analysis is completed, the results are saved to a default storage location and printed or sent to
DICOM.
Guidelines for Attaining Precision and Accuracy
Patient variability, operator techniques and external radiation may adversely affect the precision and accuracy
of DXA estimations. It is not possible to eliminate all of these factors. However, the operator can reduce their
effects on scans by following these guidelines:
Perform the Daily Quality Assurance Calibration.
Screen patients for recent radionuclide uptake procedures (within ten half-lives).
Make sure that each operator follows the same procedure for patient positioning and analysis. If the patient
has been scanned before, use the same scan parameters as those used for the patient's initial scan. Use the
same scan area size for all scans of the same patient.
Be aware that operating a Norland system near external radiation sources, such as other x-ray gen-
erating devices or devices that involve radionuclides, may affect results.
Operator's Guide
437D140 Rev. I
4-2 Basic Operation