Produce dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (dxa) scans for diagnostic purposes
Overview
SFHCI.M SFHCI.M This standard is concerned with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to produce scans that will be used for bone mass and body composition measurements and image analysis for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Production of DXA scans should be undertaken within the scope of your own role and practice. Key people are those involved in the individual's care and others involved in provision of services. Users of this standard will need to
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
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apply standard precautions for infection control and other appropriate
health and safety measures
ensure all necessary preparations have been made by the individual
and staff before starting the procedure
check and prepare the equipment required for the examination
ensure the environment is conducive to maintaining the privacy and
dignity of the individual
check the identification details before commencing the procedure in
accordance with national standards
introduce yourself and other members of staff present during the
examination
communicate with the individual / key people to facilitate their
understanding of and co-operation with the examination
establish the individuals capacity to understand the procedure with
the help of key people if necessary
obtain valid consent for the procedure in accordance with national
and local guidelines
respect the individuals privacy, dignity, beliefs and decisions
clearly explain the procedure and possible outcomes, including risk,
benefits and limitations
check individuals of child-bearing potential for pregnancy or
possible pregnancy, if appropriate to the examination, and take action
in accordance with local protocols
confirm the status of key people before the examination and, where
their presence is required, adhering to local guidelines
position the individual and adjust their clothing where required
according to the protocols for the examination which allows an optimal
outcome to be achieved while:
14.1 recognising the individuals need to retain their dignity and selfrespect
14.2 ensuring their comfort as far as possible
14.3 preventing the appearance of artefacts
seek confirmation that the individual is ready before the exposure is
made
maintain communication with the individual /key people to facilitate
their understanding and co-operation throughout the examination
observe the individuals condition and well-being at all times and
take appropriate action
consider the technical aspects of the scanner set up in relation to
the anatomical areas to be scanned
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ensure the correct technical parameters have been chosen and
assess the correct area ready for analysis
on post processing of the scan, ensure all quality standards are
correct, including anatomical sites and demographics
following the preliminary clinical examination, inform the appropriate
person if an abnormality is observed on the image which is likely to
require further investigation or treatment
explain the process for obtaining results
record, collate and prepare appropriate documentation, images and
scan analysis for transfer or storage according to local protocols
verify that the images and scan data have arrived/been stored
according to local protocols
recognise where help or advice is required and obtain this from
appropriate sources
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Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
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legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,
the role of others in your organisation and the activities being
carried out
the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and
procedures that are available and how and when they should be
accessed
the importance of respecting individuals culture, privacy, dignity,
wishes, beliefs and decisions
the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the
importance of operating within your scope of practice
the roles and responsibilities of other team members
the importance of obtaining valid consent in line with national and
local guidelines
clinical appropriateness of the examination request and the action
to take when the request is not appropriate
the gross anatomy of the area being scanned
physiological and pathological processes relevant to the area
being scanned
anatomical landmarks on the body that are relevant to DXA
imaging
the relevant joints in the body of the area being scanned and their
movements
the common relevant pathologies and normal variants of the area
being scanned
medical terminology relevant to the examination including
abbreviations
positioning terminology including abbreviations
manifestations of individuals physical and emotional status
production, interactions and properties of DXA images
the process involved in the formation of DXA images
the harmful effects of radiation to the human body and use of
radiation protection equipment
ways in which images can be captured, processed and
permanently stored
equipment capabilities and the differences in manufacturers
specifications which will affect follow up scans and comparability
the limitations and routine daily quality assurance processes
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required by the operator
how to adapt communication styles, ask questions, and listen
carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the
individual
the importance of providing individuals and key people with
opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding
the information that should be given to individuals before, during
and on completion of the examination
considerations for the individuals size, body habitus and scan
modes for image optimisation, which will affect analysis of the
bone mineral density values
variables affecting the bone mineral density measurement and
how to select appropriate scan modes for the examination and the
individual as appropriate
accurate positioning of the individual relevant to the area of
interest
the technical quality requirements of the image for precise and
reliable bone mineral density measurements
the recognition of artefacts, their impact and appropriate actions
to mitigate or limit the effects
factors which influence the decision to rescan or take
supplementary images in a different scan mode or with adjusted
positioning to aid diagnosis
the requirements for accurate scan analysis
the use of reference data and the impact of the reference
database selected on the scan results
the principal of least significant change in relation to follow up
scan interval and subsequent statistically significant change in
bone mineral density
the importance of timely equipment fault recognition and local
procedures for reporting these
procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing
appropriate documentation, images and scan analysis for transfer
or storage according to local protocols
how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with
organisational procedures
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Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
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This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS
Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):
Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and Treatment Planning
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