inforMED
MalfunctionKGI

SAHARA BONE DENSITOMETER

Received May 29, 2002 · Event occurred May 7, 2002

Report MW1025195 · MDR key 397421

Device

Generic name

Ultrasound Bone Densitometer

Manufacturer

Hologic Inc

Model number

*

Catalog number

*

Lot number

*

Product problems

  • False Reading From Device Non-Compliance

Patient

40 YR

  • Other (for use when an appropriate patient code cannot be identified)

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

PT HAD A SAHARA BONE DENSITY SCREENING OF LEFT HEEL THAT REPORTED SCORE OF -1.8 INDICATING HIGH RISK OF DEVELOPING OSTEOPOROSIS. A SECOND SCAN OF RIGHT HEEL GAVE A SCORE OF -1.7. FOLLOWUP DEXA SCAN INDICATED T SCORE OF +.90 FOR LUMBAR SPINE AND -.1 FOR LEFT HIP. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY GOT SUCH MISLEADING RESULTS FROM THE SAHARA SCAN. PT IS OUT OF POCKET OVER $400 FOR THE DEXA SCAN SINCE INSURANCE WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY AT PT'S AGE.