Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

The CAR Bone Mineral Densitometry accreditation program (BMD AP) is a three year accreditation process that monitors the compliance of the facility and the unit, the reporting methods and continuing educational qualifications of the physician and the technologist.  It has been developed to ensure the attainment of optimal standards in the practice of bone densitometry. It is designed to evaluate equipment performance, personnel qualifications, the effectiveness of quality control measures, and the standard of reporting.   The CAR BMD AP assesses the ability of a facility to perform Bone Mineral Densitometry in compliance with the CAR Technical Standards for Bone Mineral Densitometry Reporting. 

The CAR BMD AP has as its very foundation the CAR Technical Standards for Bone Mineral Densitometry Reporting.  The Standards are not rules, but are guidelines that attempt to define principles of practice that will obtain the best radiological result and care.  The Technical Standards have been revised by a panel of expert physicians and approved by the CAR Board of Directors in 2010 and represent the current expectations for BMD testing and reporting in Canada. These standards must be met in order to be accredited by the CAR BMD Accreditation Program.

The CAR’s reputation is known and respected as the centre of excellence in radiology.  As the developer of CAR Technical Standards for Bone Mineral Densitometry Reporting, the CAR staff and leadership are uniquely positioned to administer a quality assurance program based on the standards.  The BMD Program is administered by experienced CAR staff, and a steered by a nationally representative panel of experts.  And with nearly 450 facilities accredited in the CAR’s Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP), the CAR administration is building on its expertise in quality assurance to ensure that the BMD AP success equals that of the MAP. Relaunching in 2010, this program has been updated and reintroduced by public demand.  For more information on accreditation, please contact:

CAR Staff:  

Bone Mineral Densitometry Accreditation Programs (General Inquiries):
613 860-3111
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For centres located in AB, BC, MB, SK, NT, NU, YT and Internationally, contact:
Katherine Steigerwald, Coordinator
Bone Mineral Densitometry Accreditation Program
613 860-3111, ext.: 207
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For centres located in NB, NS, NL, PE, QC contact:
José Gauthier, Coordinator
Bone Mineral Densitometry Accreditation Program
613 860-3111, ext.: 206
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