Bone density scanner in Qtown
A Queenstown radiographer has set up a new business with the first bone density scanner in the region.
Lisa Bates imported the $100,000 dual energy X-ray absorbimetry (Dexa) scanner from the United States with the idea of setting up her own business.
It was only possible since the Radiation Protection Act was rewritten to allow radiographers to hold a licence for X-ray equipment. Previously only specialist radiographers were permitted.
Bates has been a radiographer for 20 years, working recently for the Southern District Health Board in Queenstown and with private company Pacific Radiology. She is continuing that work for now but wanted to establish her own business.
‘‘The closest ones of these are in Invercargill and Dunedin so previously anyone from Queenstown, Wanaka or Cromwell would have to travel,’’ she said.
The Dexa measures bone density and confirms cases of osteoporosis, most likely found in people aged over 50. Postmenopausal women are of particular risk but also those with a family history of the disease, and smokers and drinkers. People with thyroid, parathyroid or bowel absorption issues also face increased risk levels.
It is usually discovered when a person fractures a bone and the patient is referred for a scan by a general practitioner, but scans can be taken from the age of 50 to assess whether there are changes in bone density, allowing treatment to begin before a serious incident.
The scanner also does body composite screening: mapping the body in terms of lean muscle, fat and bone content.
Bates said setting up her first business, known as Form Imaging, was a ‘‘steep learning curve’’. She wrote a business plan before approaching the bank.
‘‘They said they would fund it so I ran out of reasons not to do it. I decided in December it was now or never.’’