How is the effectiveness of a bone densitometry test primarily evaluated?

• A. By visual inspection
• B. By its precision and accuracy
• C. By patient feedback
• D. By regulatory standards

Answer: (B)

The effectiveness of a bone densitometry test is primarily evaluated based on its precision and accuracy. Precision refers to the consistency of the test results when the same measurement is repeated under the same conditions, while accuracy indicates how close the test results are to the true value or standard. For a bone densitometry test to be clinically useful, it must provide reliable measurements that can accurately reflect a patient's bone mineral density, as this information is crucial for assessing fracture risk and diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis.

High precision ensures that repeated tests yield similar results, which is important for monitoring changes in bone density over time. Accurate results are essential to ensure that clinical decisions are based on measurements that truly represent the patient’s bone health. Therefore, both precision and accuracy are fundamental characteristics that determine the overall reliability and effectiveness of bone densitometry testing in clinical practice.