Mobile DXA Service:Cross calibration & precision study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing Calibration and Precision of Mobile and Static Bone Density Scanners in Routine Clinical Practice
IRAS ID
172086
Contact name
Rosemary Hollick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is routinely used to diagnose osteoporosis (thin bones) and monitor response to treatment. When comparing scans it is important to distinguish between real changes as opposed to changes related to the measurement process itself e.g. differences in machine calibration and the reproducibility (precision) of measurements.
The Grampian Osteoporosis Service recently launched a mobile bone density scanning service, aimed at improving accessibility to DXA in remote and rural communities. A DXA scanner housed within a van now operates alongside static scanners in Aberdeen.
This study forms part of a PhD study funded by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust, evaluating the mobile service. A key part of this is whether or not the mobile service is at least equivalent to the static service. We aim to investigate whether or not (a) the mobile DXA machine itself is influenced by traveling and operating in often less than optimal conditions, (b) any clinically significant systematic differences exist between measurements undertaken on the mobile compared to the static scanner, and between the static scanners situated in Ashgrove House and (c) if technician precision error on the mobile scanner is different to that on the static scanner.
We plan to undertake in vivo cross-calibration and precision studies between our mobile and static scanners. All patients >18 years routinely attending the Grampian Osteoporosis Service at Ashgrove House, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, for DXA scan are eligible for inclusion. Standard clinical care involves one DXA scan (hips and lumbar spine). Each study patient will receive one additional scan, either on the static or mobile scanner plus standard clinical care. Appointment times are 30-45 minutes long with one visit per participant and no further follow-up except standard clinical care.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
15/NS/0018
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion