What would be the immediate course of action if two scans yield outliers in values?

• A. Continue with patient scans as normal.
• B. Document the results and advise the patient.
• C. Reassess the equipment and repeat the scans.
• D. Postpone all DXA processes indefinitely.

Answer: (C)

When faced with two scans yielding outliers in values, the most appropriate immediate course of action is to reassess the equipment and repeat the scans. Outliers may indicate potential issues with the quality of the scans due to factors such as equipment malfunction, patient positioning, or external interference. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly before drawing any conclusions from the data. By checking the equipment and conducting the scans again, you can confirm the accuracy of the results and provide reliable information for patient assessment.

Continuing with patient scans without addressing the outlier issue could lead to inaccurate assessments and treatment plans. Documenting the results and advising the patient is important, but it wouldn't address the potential underlying problems causing the outlier readings. Postponing all DXA processes indefinitely is not practical and would cause unnecessary delays in patient care. Thus, reassessing the equipment and repeating the scans ensures both the integrity of the data collected and the safety and trust of the patients involved.