Look up a DEXA and describe what a DEXA measures. Compare a DEXA ...

[jman1234]

Look up a DEXA and describe what a DEXA measures. Compare a DEXA to a peripheral DEXA and explain what a pDEXA will determine. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Question 2

Explain what was discovered with the second set of lab values that enabled the physician to make the correct diagnosis.

[Toya9913]

Answer to Question 1

DEXA means duel energy x-ray absorptiometry. It is the gold standard for quantifying bone mass in the spine and hip bones. It uses two x-ray beams and x-ray technology to calculate bone density based on the amount of radiation absorbed by the bone. DEXA is also the most accurate method for measuring percent body fat.

pDEXA is peripheral DEXA and is much smaller. It measures bone density in peripheral bones, such as the wrist.

pDEXA is portable, and much less expensive, but is only suitable for screening. DEXA is more accurate and more versatile.

Answer to Question 2

The physician was able to make the connection with a very small MCV and a normal MCHC with an elevated RBC. This caused him to look further and he found serum iron already elevated with a high side of normal TIBC, transferrin, and  saturation. Ferritin, a measure of iron storage, was also already high. All of this indicates that additional iron would cause an overload and could be serious.

[jman1234]

Thank you!

[Toya9913]

Always glad to help...