Precision and accuracy of measurements of whole-body bone mineral: comparisons between Hologic, Lunar and Norland dual-energy X-ray absorptiometers

Abstract

Measurements of whole-body bone mineral made by Hologic, Lunar and Norland dual-energy X-ray absorptiometers have been compared. It was found that in each case the results were changed by new software protocols introduced by the manufacturers during the course of the study. With a moderately anthropomorphic model, the later software corrected some anomalies of regional bone mineral content (BMC) observed earlier. There was some slight dependence of total BMC on thickness and fat proportion and up to 15% difference between instruments. Measurements on volunteers showed good precision, but there were differences between instruments made by different manufacturers. There were high correlations, but the slopes of regression lines suggested differences of calibration of up to 8%; the standard errors of the estimates were 110 to 190 g, with maximum deviations from regression of 17%. There were regional disparities in BMC, particularly in the trunk, which arise (in part at least) from the imposition of a higher bone threshold by Hologic. From the pattern of results it was concluded that different assumptions were made by the manufacturers, particularly concerning the fat distribution model, which preclude the interchangeability of results from different instruments.