How does the Lunar PIXImus densitometer work?
PIXImus utilizes Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology. A small x-ray source exposes the entire animal to a cone shaped beam of both high and low energy x-rays. A high-resolution digital picture (0.18×0.18mm) is taken of an image of the x-rays hitting a luminescent panel. The ratio of attenuation of the high and low energies allows the PIXImus to separate bone from tissue and, from within the tissue samples, the lean and fat. Lunar, now GE Lunar, has been manufacturing densitometers for more than 20 years for use on humans (as well as large and small animals) – so they have lots of experience.
