What does Quality Assurance (QA) primarily focus on?

• A. Testing accuracy of measurement techniques
• B. Verifying correct operation of the machine
• C. Examining user satisfaction with results
• D. Assessing environmental conditions during tests

Answer: (B)

Quality Assurance (QA) primarily focuses on verifying the correct operation of the machine. This involves ensuring that equipment is functioning properly and consistently producing reliable results over time. In bone densitometry, maintaining the integrity of the equipment is crucial because the results from density measurements directly influence diagnosis and treatment decisions. QA measures may include routine calibrations, performance checks, and maintenance procedures that all contribute to the dependable operation of densitometers.

While testing the accuracy of measurement techniques, examining user satisfaction with results, and assessing environmental conditions are all important aspects of a comprehensive quality management system, they are not the primary focus of QA. Instead, those components typically fall under different quality control protocols and user experience metrics, which support but do not encompass the core function of QA. The essential goal of QA in this context is to ensure that the methodology and tools used yield valid and reproducible outcomes, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety.