The radiation dose from a typical DXA scan is most comparable to what?

• A. One month of natural background radiation
• B. One week of natural background radiation
• C. About one day of natural background radiation
• D. One hour of natural background radiation

Answer: (C)

The radiation dose from a typical DXA scan is indeed most comparable to about one day of natural background radiation. The DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan uses a very low dose of ionizing radiation to assess bone density, which is why it is considered safe for patients and is utilized widely in clinical practice.

Natural background radiation is the amount of radiation that people are exposed to from natural sources, such as cosmic rays, radon gas, and terrestrial radiation, over a given period. The average daily dose of natural background radiation for an individual is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 microsieverts. A typical DXA scan delivers a dose of radiation that is roughly equivalent to this daily exposure, making it a low-risk procedure for patients.

Understanding the comparison of the DXA scan's radiation dose to natural background levels helps to reassure patients about the safety of the procedure and illustrates the minimal radiation exposure involved.