Echolight is the name of the company that developed this technology.  REMS (radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry) is an ultrasound technology used to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality.  

REMS gives information such as bone mineral density which is the same type of information from a DXA scan. In addition to bone mineral density (BMD), the device used by Qualis Os gives information on bone quality as represented by the Fragility Score. There is a software package that can be added to a DXA machine. This is called trabecular bone score (TBS) which evaluates pixels and provides information on the quality of the bone. The software is not standard on DXA. 

There are some advantages to REMS. These include evaluation of both BMD and bone quality. DXA does not evaluate both unless there is a TBS software package. Even then, TBS evaluates the lumbar spine only, not the femoral neck. A number of European research studies have demonstrated a high correlation of REMS BMD to DXA BMD.

Research has shown that REMS is five times more sensitive to BMD changes than DXA.  DXA reports can have errors related to positioning, body habitus, arthritis, scoliosis, and type 2 diabetes. REMS Fragility Score, a reflection of bone quality, is better than BMD in predicting fracture risk. One test is not necessarily better than the other.  Both DXA and REMS provide useful information.

Those who are closely following their bone health should compare DXA to DXA and REMS to REMS when monitoring their bone health over time. 

REMS technology can be used for monitoring bone health in people with scoliosis, osteoarthritis of the spine and hips, and in other special situations for which use of DXA is limited. 

A REMS evaluation is scheduled for 30 minutes. This allows time to gather information from the client such as name, date of birth, race, gender, age at menopause, height, and weight. Once that information is input into the system, the scan begins. REMS evaluations are performed in a supine (face up) position while lying on an examination table. The evaluation begins with the lumbar spine scan which takes about two minutes. Once that scan has been completed, the data  analysis occurs.  A few minutes later, a report is generated.  Next, the proximal femur (hip) is scanned. The scan for the proximal femur takes about one minute. The same process occurs for data analysis and report generation.  Both hips will be scanned by Qualis Os, provided a total hip replacement has not be done.  

 It is not uncomfortable; However, if you have an abdominal hernia or sensitivity in the abdominal region, the lumbar spine portion of a REMS scan may be uncomfortable. If your BMI > 35, or you carry weight in the abdomen, it may be a bit uncomfortable due to the pressure needed to get a good quality scan of the lumbar spine. 

 If you have undergone a total hip arthroplasty, the hip with the implant cannot be scanned. This would also be the same for DXA. If there is hardware in the lumbar spine or if you had a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, it is important to tell anyone who is imaging you, whether DXA or Echolight REMS, that you have had this type of procedure. If you have a history of a lumbar spine fracture, you will want to share this information with your examiner. 

1. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment time.  The schedule is tight and accommodation for late arrivals is not guaranteed. 
2. Empty your bladder or bowels before being called to the exam room.  Arriving 15 minutes early will give you plenty of time to address bathroom calls.  
3. Bring a towel or yoga mat.  Your personal towel or yoga mat will be placed on the exam table.  You will be lying on your personal towel or yoga mat.  Why?  We are doing our best to minimize medical waste.  Use of paper sheets over the table creates unnecessary waste during the REMS exam. 
4. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Your abdomen will be exposed first to perform the exam for the lumbar spine. To perform the exam for the hip, the inguinal crease (groin) will need to be exposed. You will be asked to bring your pants to mid-thigh to access the inguinal crease. Please wear underwear. 
5. Avoid eating a meal or drinking 2-3 hours prior to your exam.  Gas in the intestines will interfere with the lumbar spine exam. 

Qualis Os REMS reports will have your BMD T-scores and Fragility Scores for your lumbar spine and both hips, and Body Composition.

You will be able to look at the computer screen after the scan.  You will be given a brief explanation of your results.  

You may ask questions during the scan.  However, there will be moments during which we need to concentrate, so there will be a pause in asking and answering questions during those moments.  

If your REMS evaluation is performed at your physician’s office, your physician will be given the report and will review it with you. 

If your REMS evaluation is performed at a location other than your physician’s office, you will receive a USB drive with your reports. The USB drive is yours to keep.

The reports can be opened with a Windows-based computer.

If you have an Apple computer, you can use an adapter to open the reports on the USB drive, or you may chose to print your reports at a location that can provide printing services.

We do not e-mail your reports or share your reports with third parties.

Please explore the Resources section with Frequently Asked Questions, a Video Library, and Blog. 

Remember, you are more than your DXA or REMS results.  Do not fret over one single test.  There is an entire YOU.  

Many things can affect bone health, so avoid focusing on one single thing.  Work with your doctor to develop a comprehensive plan to include optimizing nutrition, increasing or maintaining muscle mass, improving or maintaining your posture, balance, and fall prevention.  

Be honest with yourself and your doctor about what you are willing to do to improve your bone health.  Most of all, be kind to yourself.