Impact of Current Bone Medications on Bone Density and Expected Change Values

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This educational session will provide a practical overview of current pharmacologic options for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Participants will review commonly used bone medications and gain a clear understanding of how these therapies differ in their mechanisms of action on bone remodeling. The program will also address expected changes in bone mineral density associated with various treatments, including realistic timelines for achieving clinically meaningful improvement, to support informed decision-making and patient counseling.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. List current bone medications used for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
2. Differentiate the mechanisms of action of these medications on bone.
3. Describe expected bone density changes and the time intervals required to observe clinically meaningful improvement.

Handouts

All speakers were asked to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that were provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

E. Michael Lewiecki, MD, FACP, FACE, CCD

ASRT Credit

Challenging Cases and How to Manage Them

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 12:15pm - 1:15pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session is designed to advance DXA technologists' expertise in scan acquisition, evaluation, and quality assurance in complex imaging scenarios. Using anonymized cases from the ISCD atlas, participants will learn to identify examinations compromised by challenging anatomy or patient-related factors that render scans diagnostically non-evaluable. The program will provide detailed instruction on recognizing technical acquisition and analysis errors that require repeat imaging, including manufacturer-specific and cross-platform artifacts, and will outline appropriate corrective actions to optimize scan quality. Additionally, the session will review protocol modifications and positioning strategies for patients with implants, scoliosis, and degenerative changes, as well as technical considerations for special populations, including pediatric and obese patients, to ensure accurate, reproducible bone density measurements.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Identify DXA scans with challenging anatomy or patient-related factors that render them no longer diagnostically evaluable, using anonymized cases from the ISCD atlas.
2. Recognize technical scan failures that require repeat imaging and describe appropriate corrective actions, including identification of common artifacts across manufacturers, using anonymized cases from the ISCD atlas.
3. Discuss protocol modifications for patients with implants, scoliosis, degenerative changes, and special populations including pediatric and obese patients.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Orhan K. Oz, MD, PhD, CCD

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

Quality Scanning and Positioning for Hologic and GE Scanners

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1:30pm - 2:30pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will provide an in-depth, technologist-focused review of DXA acquisition and analysis variability across manufacturers, with emphasis on accurate region-of-interest (ROI) placement and interpretation for spine and hip examinations. Participants will examine common sources of technologist error, including suboptimal patient positioning, inappropriate post-acquisition analysis adjustments, and incorrect scan mode selection, and will learn strategies to prevent these pitfalls. The session will underscore the critical role of immediate scan review while the patient remains present, particularly for ensuring correct bone mapping and diagnostic integrity. In addition, participants will explore challenges related to serial comparability and review manufacturer-specific software glitches that may impact longitudinal bone density assessment.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Compare manufacturer-specific differences in region-of-interest (ROI) placement and analysis for spine and hip scans.
2. Explain sources of technologist error including pitfalls of poor-quality positioning, inappropriate adjustments to the scan analysis, and improper scan mode selection.
3. Recognize the importance of immediate scan review while the patient is present especially in the context of appropriate bone mapping.
4. Describe serial comparability challenges and manufacturer-specific glitches.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Wendy Tolman-Andrews, BS, RT(BD), CBDT

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

DXA Body Composition Applications from Sarcopenia to Sport

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 2:45pm - 3:45pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will provide DXA technologists with a focused, practical framework for acquiring, analyzing, and reporting body composition data tailored to the needs of diverse clinical specialties. Participants will review primary DXA-derived body composition metrics—including appendicular lean mass (ALM), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and fat mass index (FMI)—and learn how their clinical relevance differs across geriatrics, bariatrics, and sports medicine. The program will emphasize identification of the most appropriate body composition outputs for monitoring patient progress in metabolic risk assessment, eating disorder recovery, and athletic performance. In addition, the session will explore the clinical significance of regional versus total body composition measurements, enabling technologists to better support referring providers through accurate data acquisition, interpretation, and communication.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate between the primary DXA metrics (such as ALM, VAT, and FMI) required by various specialties, including geriatrics, bariatrics, and sports medicine.
2. Identify which body composition outputs are most relevant for tracking patient progress in metabolic risk assessment, eating disorder recovery, and athletic performance.
3. Discuss the clinical significance of regional and total body composition data to better understand the diverse needs of referring providers.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Jonathan Bennett, PhD

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

Maximize the Utility of DXA, a Review of Features and Companion Software

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will provide DXA technologists with an overview of less commonly used DXA features and companion technologies that extend the clinical utility of standard bone density testing. Participants will review specialized DXA features including vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), full femur imaging (FFI), lateral distal femur (LDF) imaging, and orthopedic applications, with emphasis on utility, indications, acquisition techniques and analysis. The program will also address performance of additional DXA-derived analyses such as FRAX and hip geometry, highlighting technologist responsibilities in data accuracy and workflow integration. In addition, participants will explore the role of DXA companion software—including trabecular bone score (TBS) and 3D Shaper to better understand their technical requirements, outputs, and clinical relevance in comprehensive skeletal assessment.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe enhanced DXA features, including vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), full femur imaging (FFI), lateral distal femur (LDF), and orthopedic hip protocols.
2. Perform additional analyses derived from DXA scans, including FRAX and hip geometry.
3. Discuss the utility of DXA companion software, including trabecular bone score (TBS) and 3D Shaper.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Diane Krueger, BS, CCRC, CBDT

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

Quality Assurance Programs and Why They Matter

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will provide DXA technologists with a comprehensive review of quality assurance and troubleshooting principles essential for maintaining accurate and reproducible bone density measurements. Participants will examine routine quality-control practices, including the use of control charts, the establishment of action limits, and criteria for determining when manufacturer service intervention is required. The program will also focus on applying least significant change (LSC) values derived from precision studies to accurately assess longitudinal changes in bone mineral density. In addition, participants will examine differences among DXA scanners and software platforms, emphasizing the critical role of cross-calibration in ensuring valid clinical interpretation and continuity of patient care when comparing measurements across systems.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe general quality assurance and troubleshooting principles, including the use of control charts, setting action limits, and determining when service intervention is required.
2. Implement least significant change (LSC) values derived from precision studies to assess longitudinal changes in bone density.
3. Discuss scanner differences and the importance of cross-calibration when comparing measurements across systems.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Lawrence Jankowski, CBDT

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

Tech Talk: Making the Most of Your Patient’s Time

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 12:15pm - 1:15pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will prepare DXA technologists to effectively support patient education and engagement within their professional scope of practice. Participants will explore strategies for appropriate technologist–patient communication related to fracture prevention, bone health, nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle modification, with emphasis on the use of motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive health behaviors. The program will also guide technologists in identifying reliable patient education materials suitable for distribution in the DXA setting. In addition, participants will review the role of physical activity and weight-bearing exercise in maintaining bone and muscle health, enabling technologists to reinforce consistent, evidence-based messaging while supporting referring provider recommendations.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss appropriate technologist–patient communication regarding fracture prevention, bone health, nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle modification using motivational interviewing techniques.
2. Locate examples of patient educational materials suitable for technologist distribution.
3. Explain the importance of physical activity and weight-bearing exercise in maintaining bone and muscle health.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Leah Prestbo, MD, CCD

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

Access to Bone Density Measurements

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1:30pm - 2:30pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will examine barriers to accessing bone density testing from a DXA technologist's perspective, with particular attention to patient populations who may be at increased risk for poor bone health but are not routinely referred for testing under current diagnostic ordering criteria or access to general healthcare. Participants will explore population-level factors that limit access to DXA services, including geographic, logistical, and health system constraints, as well as the impact of centralized scanning models and delayed scheduling on timely diagnosis and management. The session will also provide an overview of available peripheral and alternative bone assessment technologies—such as peripheral DXA (pDXA), quantitative ultrasound (QUS), and CT-derived bone mineral density—highlighting their potential role, strengths, and limitations in supporting bone health assessment and clinical decision-making when standard DXA access is limited.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Explain population-level challenges affecting access to DXA services.
2. Recognize limitations associated with centralized DXA scanning and delayed scheduling.
3. Describe the advantages and limitations of peripheral and alternative bone density assessment technologies, including pDXA, QUS, and CT-derived BMD.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Kyla Kent, BA, CBDT

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

The Journal of Clinical Densitometry 2026 Scientific Paper Review - My Top 5 Articles for Technologists

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:45pm - 3:45pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Descriptions and Objectives

This session will provide DXA technologists with a structured review of selected peer-reviewed articles addressing key aspects of DXA practice, including quality assurance, patient positioning, clinical applications, software innovation, and technologist–patient communication. Participants will examine the purpose, methodology, and principal findings of each article and discuss their relevance to the daily technologist workflow, scan quality, and patient care. The program will also highlight the broader significance of these research findings and explore their potential impact on the evolving role of current and future DXA technologists, supporting evidence-based practice and professional development.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose, methods, and key findings of each selected article, highlighting implications for technologist positioning practices, clinical applications of DXA, and software and workflow innovations and limitations.
2. Analyze how the reported findings relate to DXA technologist workflow, including effects on scan acquisition steps, image quality, interpretation support, and downstream patient care.
3. Explain the significance of this body of literature for current and future DXA technologists, focusing on how the evidence can inform practice standards, training priorities, and the evolution of technologist roles in patient-centered bone health and body composition assessment.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

Christopher Cirnigliaro, PhD, CBDT

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.

Future Directions: AI and Beyond

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)

Description and Objectives

This session will introduce DXA technologists to emerging innovations that are shaping the future of bone densitometry, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence–enabled tools and data integration. Participants will examine how AI-driven quality-control processes and automated region-of-interest detection can enhance measurement consistency, workflow efficiency, and scalability across clinical settings. The program will also examine how DXA data can be linked with large clinical and research datasets to support advanced risk prediction, longitudinal monitoring, and population-level analysis. In addition, participants will discuss key research opportunities and critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to advance next-generation DXA technologies and inform the evolving role of the DXA technologist.

After attending this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize how AI-enabled quality control and automated region-of-interest detection can improve consistency, efficiency, and scalability of DXA measurements.
2. Understand how DXA data can be linked with large clinical and research datasets to support risk prediction, longitudinal monitoring, and population-level analysis.
3. Identify key research opportunities and critical gaps that must be addressed to advance the next generation of bone densitometry.

Handouts

All speakers are requested to provide handouts/lecture slides for registered attendees. Those that are provided for this session will be uploaded to the handouts tab and can be accessed/downloaded from that tab.

John A. Shepherd, PhD, FAAPM, CCD

ASRT Credit

This session is approved by ASRT for 1.00 Category A credits.