Which factors could lead to calibration drift in DXA equipment?

• A. Patient's age
• B. Changes in temperature, humidity, or power supply
• C. The type of scan being performed
• D. Frequency of patient scans

Answer: (B)

Calibration drift in DXA equipment can occur due to various environmental and operational factors, and one of the most significant influences is changes in temperature, humidity, or the power supply.

DXA machines are sensitive to external conditions, and fluctuations in temperature can affect the electronic components and detectors within the equipment. For instance, extreme heat can lead to thermal drift, while excessive humidity can introduce condensation, potentially impacting the electronic circuitry and leading to inaccurate measurements. Similarly, variations in the power supply can lead to inconsistencies in the operation of the device, which can result in calibration shifts. Thus, maintaining stable environmental conditions is crucial for ensuring the precision and accuracy of DXA scans.

In contrast, while factors like patient age or the type of scan being performed are important for interpreting DXA results, they do not directly influence the calibration of the machine itself. The frequency of patient scans may also not have a direct impact on the mechanical aspects of calibration drift. Properly monitoring and controlling the environment in which the DXA equipment operates is key to minimizing calibration drift and ensuring optimal performance.