How to Measure Ultrasonic Densities

One of the most pressing health problems for an aging population is that of osteoporosis, or the gradual reduction of bone density. Osteoporosis can reduce the individual’s activity and increase the risk of fractures, either from a fall or even from just walking. It is important for older patients to determine the degree of bone loss -- if any -- they have so that they can take steps to address it. Ultrasound is often used for this purpose. Ultrasonic waves pass through the body part being tested, and the resulting attenuation reveals the bone density. One of the companies that makes many of the units used for this purpose is McCue, but the principles are the same for all brands and types. The exact instructions, however, vary from one brand and model to another.

Things You'll Need

• CUBAClinical measurement unit by McCue Corporation
• Connecting cable
• Power cord
• McCue data controller
• Foot-positioning inserts
• Quality assurance coupler
• Ultrasound gel
• Foot inserts
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs

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Instructions

• 1

  Insert the cable into the Data Controller. Insert the other end of the cable into the CUBAClinical unit.

• 2

  Insert the power cord into the unit and depress the “On” switch. Open the hinged calf plate over the foot well.

• 3

  Click “QA” on the data controller. This action will take you into testing mode, allowing you to confirm the unit is functioning properly.

• 4

  Apply a coin-sized amount of gel to both halves of the coupler, spreading it with the tip of the gel bottle, rather than your finger.

• 5

  Put the coupler in the unit so that the sides face the transducers on either side. Depress the “Close” button on the unit. Push the coupler all the way into the well.

• 6

  Depress the “SA Check” button on the unit. The controller will run the unit through two processes, first setting up and then measuring.

• 7

  Compare the result to the range for the coupler you used. If the readings match, move on to testing the patient. Depress the “Off” button on the unit.

• 8

  Seat the patient in front of the unit. Request that she remove the sock and shoe from the foot to be tested.

• 9

  Position the leg so that it lies on the rest built into the unit. Ensure that the heel of the foot is directly against that back of the well.

• 10

  Check the length of the foot by looking at where it crosses the red line in the well. A foot less than 230 mm long requires Insert A, while one measuring 230 to 250 mm long requires Insert B. Feet larger than 250 mm do not require an insert.

• 11

  Help the patient remove her foot and rest it on top of the unit. Put the correct insert into the foot well.

• 12

  Clean the patient’s foot with rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Apply a thin coat of gel to the sides of the patient’s heel. Also, apply some gel to the transducer pads.

• 13

  Help the patient put her heel back into the well. The legs should again be on the rests and the foot centered in the well.

• 14

  Type in the patient’s age, gender and foot being tested into the entries that are presented to you on the controller.

• 15

  Depress the “Close” button on the unit. This will press the transducers against the heel. If the patient does not feel slight pressure, open the transducers and reposition the foot to try again.

• 16

  Ask the patient not to move for one minute while the machine conducts the test. When the test is completed, the unit will retract the transducers. Help the patient remove her foot.

• 17

  Use rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs to clean the patient’s foot. Also, clean the unit's foot well and the inserts used.