Bone Densitometry for Technologists by Sydney Lou Bonnick and Lori Ann Lewis, 2nd ed.
Humana Press, Towota, NJ, 2005, $99.50
I learned about DEXA from The Evaluation of Osteoporosis: Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Ultrasound in Clinical Practice by Glen Blake and co-authors. For a physicist, Blake’s book was just what was needed to derive the fundamental equations of how DEXA works: R-values, notch filtering, modeling fat with acrylic, and what hydroxyapatite really was. Blake is also a physicist and after reading that book, I could build a densitometer -- OK, maybe not by myself, but it is that kind of book.
Bone Densitometry for Technologists is not that kind of book. Author Bonnick is a distinguished medical doctor and world authority on bone densitometry. In this second edition, Bonnick and technologist Lori Lewis have updated a guide specifically for the RT that is teeming with practical information.
This extensive book is divided into 12 chapters covering such topics as techniques, anatomy, computer basics, radiation safety, quality control, and an overview of osteoporosis. There are also a dozen appendices and a CD-ROM with a precision calculator; example reports and questionnaires; and a test that can be submitted for 15 hours of CE credit from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) with a score of 75 or higher.
All the chapters are well written and very thorough. The authors have the essential equations for clinical work sprinkled through the book and they keep the math simple. Meatier equations, which can be an interruptive drag when reading, are grouped in the appendices.
How many books are there on bone densitometry and how many do we need? It's has been four years since Bone Density for Technologist first came out and empowered technologist with the type of information they required. As a technologist, you may want or have other books, but this is the only one you will truly need.
By John A. Shepherd, Ph.D.AuntMinnie.com contributing writer
April 26, 2006
John A. Shepherd, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of radiology at the University of California, San Francisco. He has been in the field of bone densitometry for 11 years and in x-ray imaging applications for 18 years. He is a widely published expert on DEXA technology, applications, and quality assurance.
The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.
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