Precision of a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry device

The standard method to diagnose and follow-up osteoporosis is the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Manufacturers' manuals of DEXA devices state the intrascanner coefficient of variance is less than 0.01 g/cm(2). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo coefficient of variance of a Lunar DPX scanner in male and female healthy adult subjects. Average BMD for females and males were 1.170 +/- 0.091 g/cm(2) and 1.272 +/- 0.115 g/cm(2), respectively. Monthly phantom measurements provided and controlled by the manufacturer were 1.243 +/- 0.008 g/cm(2) (range 1.222 to 1.257) and the coefficient of variance was 0.006. It is concluded that the in vivo coefficient of variance of DEXA devices can slightly be higher than that proposed by the manufacturer.