Absorptiometry, Photon (also known as Photon Absorptiometry, Radiographic Absorptiometry, Dual-Energy): A noninvasive method for assessing BODY COMPOSITION. It is based on the differential absorption of X-RAYS (or GAMMA RAYS) by different tissues such as bone, fat and other soft tissues. The source of (X-ray or gamma-r

NIH MeSH · D015502Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment

Absorptiometry, Photon

Also known asPhoton Absorptiometry · Radiographic Absorptiometry, Dual-Energy · Radiographic Absorptiometry, Dual Energy · Absorptiometry, Dual-Energy Radiographic · Absorptiometry, Dual Energy Radiographic · Dual-Energy Radiographic Absorptiometry · Dual Energy Radiographic Absorptiometry · Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry · Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry · Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry · Dual X Ray Absorptiometry · X-Ray Absorptiometry, Dual-Energy

Definition

A noninvasive method for assessing BODY COMPOSITION. It is based on the differential absorption of X-RAYS (or GAMMA RAYS) by different tissues such as bone, fat and other soft tissues. The source of (X-ray or gamma-ray) photon beam is generated either from radioisotopes such as GADOLINIUM 153, IODINE 125, or Americanium 241 which emit GAMMA RAYS in the appropriate range; or from an X-ray tube which produces X-RAYS in the desired range. It is primarily used for quantitating BONE MINERAL CONTENT, especially for the diagnosis of OSTEOPOROSIS, and also in measuring BONE MINERALIZATION.

MeSH classification

  • E01.370.350.700.024
  • E05.196.712.224.187

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Common questions about Absorptiometry, Photon

What does Absorptiometry, Photon mean in medicine?
A noninvasive method for assessing BODY COMPOSITION. It is based on the differential absorption of X-RAYS (or GAMMA RAYS) by different tissues such as bone, fat and other soft tissues. The source of (X-ray or gamma-ray) photon beam is generated either from radioisotopes such as GADOLINIUM 153, IODINE 125, or Americanium 241 which emit GAMMA RAYS in the appropriate range; or from an X-ray tube which produces X-RAYS in the desired range. It is primarily used for quantitating BONE MINERAL CONTENT, especially for the diagnosis of OSTEOPOROSIS, and also in measuring BONE MINERALIZATION. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Absorptiometry, Photon known by any other names?
Yes. Absorptiometry, Photon is also referred to as Photon Absorptiometry, Radiographic Absorptiometry, Dual-Energy, Radiographic Absorptiometry, Dual Energy, Absorptiometry, Dual-Energy Radiographic in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Absorptiometry, Photon sit in the medical classification?
Absorptiometry, Photon falls under the broader medical category "Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: E01.370.350.700.024, E05.196.712.224.187). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Absorptiometry, Photon?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D015502) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗