What are the two types of phantoms used in Quality Control?

• A. Calibration and verification phantoms
• B. Daily QC and drift detection phantoms
• C. Reference and operational phantoms
• D. Maintenance and safety phantoms

Answer: (B)

In the context of bone densitometry and quality control, phantoms are essential tools used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of imaging systems. Daily QC phantoms are used to perform routine quality control measurements. These allow operators to detect any immediate issues with the equipment that could affect performance or results. Drift detection phantoms, on the other hand, help assess whether there is any drift in the readings of the densitometer over time, which could indicate potential calibration issues or changes in the performance of the machine.

The combination of these two types of phantoms plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the densitometry assessments. Using daily QC phantoms ensures that the equipment is functioning correctly on a regular basis, while drift detection phantoms focus on long-term stability and consistency in measurements. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to quality assurance in bone densitometry.

In contrast, other options either do not precisely categorize the relevant types of phantoms used in this specific context or introduce terms that do not commonly apply to the quality control processes in densitometry, like maintenance or safety considerations. Thus, the best choice aligns with the recognized practices relevant to ensuring the proper functioning of bone densitometry equipment.