Measuring bone mineral density (BMD) is a crucial practice which diagnoses critical illnesses such as osteoporosis and determines one’s susceptibility to fractures. As of 2025, DEXA is a standard practice to diagnose osteoporosis and determine one’s susceptibility to fractures. Other technologies have yet to surpass it in overall capability, especially when it comes to accuracy.
Interesting findings in a recent study indicate that Reveal 35C has potential in BMD quantification. In the study, Reveal 35C is directly compared with traditional DEXA, measuring performance indicators such as accuracy and consistency in imaging. In this article, we’ll be sharing the initial results of this study while exploring the state of BMD quantification as a whole in 2025.
What New Research Reveals About Using Reveal 35C for Bone Mineral Density Quantification
New research shows Reveal 35C’s high potential for measuring bone mineral density.
The study utilized a phantom model of a cadaver vertebrae and scanned the lumbar and thoracic regions. Vertebrae was measured three times. Scans were performed with both standard DEXA and Reveal 35C for comparison.
Studying Reveal 35C’s performance in BMD quantification, the researcher’s findings demonstrated:
- Less than 10% error with the Reveal 35C as opposed to DEXA.
- The majority of vertebrae had less than a 10% discrepancy when utilizing full vs. half-detector collimation.
- There was a 5-25% variance across different imaging conditions when using Reveal 35C.
- This level of accuracy was achieved with the help of scatter correction.
The study states that there is potential that Reveal 35C could “perform opportunistic BMD quantification”. It highlights Reveal 35C’s lower radiation dose and higher levels of accessibility compared to DEXA.
Please note that these findings and evaluations are for research purposes only and is not meant to qualify Reveal 35C as an official BMD testing method. Reveal 35C is not cleared for official use in BMD testing. Patient-centric innovation is at the forefront of everything we do at KA Imaging, and we look forward to researching, testing, and monitoring Reveal 35C’s potential in bone mineral density quantification.
KA Imaging’s Reveal 35C: An Overview of Capabilities and Features
Reveal 35C is KA Imaging’s patented portable dual-energy flat panel X-ray detector. It’s capable of differentiating between bone and soft-tissue with a single X-ray exposure. Delivering three separate images, a traditional DR image, bone image, and soft tissue image, radiologists have access to a variety of valuable imaging data while maintaining low radiation and speedy imaging cycles. Additionally, images taken by Reveal 35C contain zero motion artifacts compared to traditional dual energy exposure systems.
In the below images, you’ll notice a striking difference between the picture on the left (traditional DR image) and the picture on the right (bone image). The bone shape and size is far more noticeable with significant spectral contrast and material differentiation. These two images would be the results of the same exposure.
Additionally, the radiologist would receive a soft tissue image, as pictured below. The bone is completely subtracted from view. Compared to the traditional DR image, the soft tissue is far more visible and now completely unobstructed.
An Overview of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Quantification
What is Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Quantification?
Bone Mineral Density Quantification, also known as a BMD test, evaluates the density of minerals, such as calcium, in your bones. Bones that lack minerals are more prone to breaking.
Healthcare providers use a BMD test to indicate:
- Whether a patient has osteoporosis and osteopenia.
- Whether a patient’s osteoporosis treatment is working.
- Whether the patient is high-risk for bone fractures.
Conventional Methods for Measuring Bone Mineral Density in 2025
- Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is currently considered the most accurate method for measuring bone mineral density. With either a central DEXA or peripheral DEXA scan, two different X-ray beams which distinguish bone from soft tissue are used to scan an area of the patient’s internal bone structure (most commonly hip, spine, and lower arm).
- Methods other than DEXA for measuring bone mineral density include:
- Quantitative Computed Tomography
- Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
- Quantitative Ultrasound
- MRI
- Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry
Although these methods are capable of evaluating bone mineral density, the more dependable and accurate DEXA scan may still be needed to officially determine whether the patient has osteoporosis.
Limitations of DEXA in Measuring Bone Mineral Density in 2025
Despite DEXA being the standard for BMD testing, it demonstrates a few distinct weaknesses that could be improved in the future through innovations in technology and measurement methods. Here are some examples of limitations in DEXA when used for BMD testing:
- Limited availability.
- The presence of motion artifacts during imaging which can obscure crucial bone evidence.
- DEXA might overlook other factors influencing bone strength, such as:
Conclusion: The Reveal 35C and Measuring Bone Mineral Density
While DEXA continues to be the prime method for measuring bone mineral density, the findings of the Reveal 35C BMD quantification study indicate room for innovation. DEXA still currently carries notable limitations, affecting the accuracy of BMD test results. With improvements to DEXA, as well as the introduction of new imaging technologies, we could soon see BMD quantification reach a new level of accuracy, consistency, and accessibility. These innovations will pave the way to more informed BMD test results and improved patient outcomes. We look forward to seeing the future of BMD quantification and what role Reveal 35C could potentially play in future innovations.