Phantom Scan FAQs

What is the purpose of requiring phantom scans as part of the ISCD certification process for Technologists?

Acquiring a phantom scan is necessary to ensure that the DXA machine is operating properly. This task should be done frequently, if not daily.  As part of the certification process, ISCD requires that a candidate acquire ten phantoms for several reasons. The first reason is to help the candidate establish a mean or average BMD. The second reason is to test how consistent the candidate is in acquiring scans or repeat measurements.  And finally, ISCD requires phantom scans in order to determine the precision of both the machine and technologist; that is, how close are the BMD values to the "average" BMD”?  Over a long period of time, the student should continue to examine how closely the BMC, Area, and BMD approximate the baselines for these parameters.

Can two people send in the same phantoms?

No.  All scans must be acquired and analyzed solely by the individual seeking certification.  Duplicate scans will be returned ungraded.

Where do I get a phantom? 

If you do not have a phantom, contact the manufacturer of your machine. 

I have a Lunar Prodigy Scanner, but instead of a Lunar Spine Phantom, I have a Hologic Spine Phantom.  Can I use it? 

Yes, the Hologic phantom is universal in that it can be used with any scanner.

When setting the machine to do a phantom scan, what do I name it?  Do I need to enter a birth date or weight?

Usually the name of this patient is “Spine Phantom,” but it can be named anything as long as the technologist remembers how to retrieve it. Most machines require a birth date in the biography.  Any date will do. Height and weight may not be necessary. If the scanner requires it in order to function, put in a fictitious height and weight.

What scan mode do I use? What width and length?

First of all, consult your manual.  That should provide the answer.  If not, call the Help Desk for your system, i.e., Hologic, GE, Norland. Each machine is different. Usually a standard mode is used.  If the acrylic phantom (130cm) is used, adjust the width so the scanner does not scan outside the width of the acrylic phantom. If the water bath is used, the regular patient scan width can be used.  This enables the “smartscan” feature to work at its best.

Do I adjust it to 6 inches or 8 inches? 

This depends on the scanner you have.  When scanning the phantom ten times for submission, do not use the QC.  Enter a name in the biography, such as "Spine Phantom” and then adjust the length of the scan to 6 inches.  In this way you are not scanning air.  If there is more air above the phantom as shown on the printout, then you should adjust to 6 inches.

Do I scan ten different positions or all of the same position?

For ISCD, scan the phantom ten times in a row, without moving the phantom. You may need to adjust the length each time. (Hologic) See previous question.

Do I need to do a comparison?  Do I need to compare every scan?  Do I compare them to each other or to the first scan?

The first phantom scan is a baseline; it needs to be perfect.  Each subsequent scan is compared to it.   Some models require manual analysis - and yes, you use the compare feature. Some will not require any analysis because it is automatically done.   See your manual and/or call Help Desk if you need further assistance.

Do I need to average the values?

No.  Check to see that all the values for L1-L4 are similar, not necessarily exactly the same.  Some of the newer models average the values automatically.

Do I need to do a Quality Assurance chart? 

You do not have to average the values, but it might be worthwhile so that you can set up a chart for your own use.

Do I need to run the QC?

The QC is done each day that you scan patients. This is to make certain that the scanner is operating properly.  The QC is not required for ISCD certification.

Do I need to do an analysis? 

Phantom scans: You will analyze the baseline scan and then analyze each one using the compare feature.

Do I send both pages?  

For the phantoms, only the printout of the phantom scan is required. For spine and hip scans, only the full first page is required.

Do I need to include the grid portion on the bottom of the page or just the picture?

Send the entire page. Do not cut it up.

Do I need to include the BMD, BMC and Area values?

The BMD, BMC, and Area values for all the sub-regions should be included. On some software from some manufacturers, this may require submitting a second page of values for each scan.

Do I need to include the T-scores and Z-scores?

T-scores, Z-scores or graphs are acceptable and desirable but not required in grading your scans.

I cannot print the scan. I can only print a picture of what looks like a blob. What should I do? 

Call the manufacturer's Help Desk.  You should be able to print out the scan of the phantom, spines or hips. 

Should there be two pictures on the first page?  

There should be only one picture of the phantom.  Sometimes there is a graph, depending on the scanner model.   Some of the older Hologic models allowed printing the picture of the scanned image and the graph on the same page but required an extra step in the printing process to accomplish this.  The new models generally have the scanned image and a graph.

When doing hip scans, do you want the neck read or the total?   

Either is acceptable for ISCD purposes of certification.  You and your physician should decide which one you want to read at your facility and set your machine appropriately.  Oftentimes, the total will miss osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis. This reading will show a higher BMD because of the higher density in the femur shaft that

is included in the total.

Does a dual hip scan count as two scans or one? 

A dual hip scan counts as one scan.  You need to submit five of these.

If I have to resubmit my scans and I cannot get the same patient back, how shall I handle this?

The resubmitted scans do not have to be of the same patient. In the event that corrections cannot be made by reanalyzing the scan, scan another patient and submit those scans to substitute for the ones that were failed.

How do I correct my scans if my office has purchased a new machine since I submitted my original scans?

You will submit new scans from your new machine.

I work in two different offices with different machines. Can my scans be acquired from both machines?

For grading purposes, all of your scans should come from one machine.

Where do I find details on upcoming course locations, hotel information, etc?
Specific course details are listed in the "PDF Format" or "Word Doc" for each course location. Click here to go to the list of upcoming courses.

Who do I contact for additional Certification information?
Email at or call 860.586.7563 ext 543


Who do I contact for recertification information?
Email at or call 860.586.7563 ext 543

Who do I contact for additional information regarding education programs?
860.586.7563 ext 515

Page Last Updated: 12/14/2010

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