How should a patient be correctly positioned on the table during a bone densitometry exam?

• A. Spine centered to the table
• B. Head centered to the table
• C. Feet aligned with the edge of the table
• D. Pelvis centered to the table

Answer: (A)

During a bone densitometry exam, it is crucial for the patient's spine to be centered to the table. This positioning ensures that the area of interest, typically the lumbar spine or hip, is accurately scanned and that the results reflect the true density of the bone in that region. Proper alignment helps minimize any potential positioning errors, which could lead to inaccurate measurements and, consequently, misinterpretation of the bone density results.

Centering the spine also helps in standardizing the positioning across different examinations, making it easier to compare the results over time or against reference values. This is particularly important in monitoring changes in bone density for conditions like osteoporosis.

In contrast, other positioning options may not provide the same level of accuracy. For example, centering the head or feet may not adequately position the region of interest for assessment, leading to suboptimal images that may not accurately reflect the patient's bone health. Ensuring that the pelvis is centered is also important; however, the correct alignment of the spine is the primary factor for obtaining high-quality diagnostic information during the procedure.