What does Peripheral QCT require for operation?

• A. A standard medical X-ray machine
• B. A dedicated scanner
• C. A separate software installation
• D. Additional staff training

Answer: (B)

Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) requires a dedicated scanner for operation due to the specific imaging techniques and protocols involved in this method of assessing bone mineral density. Unlike standard medical X-ray machines, which are designed primarily for traditional imaging, a dedicated peripheral QCT scanner is specifically engineered to capture high-resolution 3D images of peripheral sites, such as the radius or tibia, with the ability to evaluate bone density in a more precise manner.

The dedicated scanner is designed to produce the necessary image quality and spatial resolution required for accurate analysis. Peripheral QCT also involves unique calibration and measurement techniques tailored to assess bone geometry and density accurately at these specific sites. In contrast, the other options may be relevant to various imaging techniques or systems but do not fully encompass the specialized requirements of peripheral QCT.