What type of detector system is used with a fan beam DXA unit?

• A. Solid state detector system
• B. Pencil beam scanner
• C. Linear detector system
• D. Analog detector

Answer: (A)

In a fan beam dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) unit, a solid-state detector system is utilized primarily due to its efficiency in capturing the X-ray images and providing high-resolution bone density assessments. The solid-state detectors are made from materials like silicon or cadmium telluride, which allow them to convert X-ray photons into electrical signals with high accuracy, enabling precise measurements of bone mineral density.

Fan beam technology differs from pencil beam systems in that it uses a wider X-ray beam to cover a larger area of the body at once, resulting in faster scanning times and improved patient throughput. The solid-state detector complements this design by ensuring that the X-rays passing through the bones and soft tissues are accurately detected and transformed into data for analysis. Overall, the combination of fan beam architecture and solid-state detection provides a more efficient and effective method for assessing bone health.