QA Block vs. Spine Phantom for GE Lunar DEXA

All Lunar DEXA scanners come with (or should come with) two phantoms for system testing and calibration: a QA (quality assurance) block, and a spine phantom. Both of these tools are used in measuring the accuracy and performance of your scanner. This ensures the best possible calibration and highest accuracy in patient results.

While both tools are part of the OEM-recommended quality assurance process, the QA block and the spine phantom have separate uses and separate recommended testing frequencies. Additionally, not all Lunar DEXA phantoms are interchangeable among the various models in their bone densitometry product line. To give you more clarity on these important bone density accessories, we'll break down which phantom should be used at which time and which phantom part numbers are intended to work with each model in the Lunar product line.

DEXA Phantoms & When to Use Them

When to Use a QA Block

DEXA systems need to be run and checked every 24 hours, or at least before the start of every patient scanning day. A QA block phantom is for these daily tests, used before scanning any patients, to ensure the system is in optimal calibration.

When to use a Spine Phantom

Spine Phantoms are for testing the reproducibility and accuracy of live patient scansduring a preventative maintenance check-up. These work like "test patients", standing in for actual anatomy to help detect and diagnose potential image problems. Spine phantoms come in two types: a tub version, which is scanned while submerged in a plastic tub full of water, or an encapsulated spine, which features the same piece encased in a block of solid acrylic. The tub version is more commonly included with a system while the encapsulated is more often carried by a field service engineer for maintenance visits. The two can be used interchangeably by techs on site for testing.

Procurement

If your phantom is lost or damaged, you'll need to order a replacement to keep your DEXA scanner in proper calibration. When you order your replacement, you'll need a part number to ensure accurate ordering, as not all Lunar phantoms are interchangeable. Be aware also that some older Lunar scanners are no longer supported by the OEM and replacement phantoms will need to be procured used, from third-party suppliers.

The models and associated part numbers are as follows:

DPX Series (no longer OEM-supported)

QA Block: LNR8104

Tub Spine: LNR0223

Encapsulated Spine: LNR5989

DPX enCORE Series

QA Block: LNR7905

Tub Spine: LNR40459

Encapsulated Spine: LNR40461

Prodigy Series

QA Block: LNR6847

Tub Spine: LNR40460

Encapsulated Spine: LNR40462

iDXA Series

QA Block: LNR42287

Tub Spine: LNR42965

Encapsulated Spine: LNR43388

The Takeaway

Regardless of which Lunar DEXA series or model your bone density techs are using, optimal calibration and accuracy are required for providing your patients quality service. You can only meet this requirement by having the right tools for the job, at the right time. Use your QA block at the beginning of each day, before you see your first patient. Use your spine phantom during your periodic preventative maintenance checks (we recommend at least twice a year). And- if your phantoms come up missing or sustain damage, remember that a third-party parts supplier can be a good source for replacements.

If you need Lunar phantoms or other DEXA parts now, we can help. Use the button below to tell us what you need and receive a quote.