Radiation hygiene in X-ray imaging to estimate body composition (in particular bone densitometry) by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is an X-ray method that uses radiation absorption to analyze tissue composition. It is primarily used to estimate bone density in presence of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and primary hyperparathyroidism. Apart from these medical indications, DXA is also increasingly used in lifestyle diagnostics, e. g. as a means of proving a reduction in abdominal body fat levels while cutting weight or for monitoring muscle gain achieved by sports or bodybuilding. 
SSK has scrutinised the benefits of DXA from a radiation protection perspective. The Commission emphasizes that despite the low doses with DXA measurements, the principles of radiation protection must be adhered to. DXA scans are inadmissible without medical indication, e. g. solely to improve patient compliance or accompanying lifestyle activities.