DEXA Scan is an advanced, highly accurate imaging technique for measuring total body composition. DEXA Scans use X-ray beams at two different energy levels, because your muscles, fat, and bone all absorb X-Ray beams differently. This allows for a detailed and accurate image of your whole body and the breakdown of its compositions. 

DEXA scans are the gold standard of body composition measurement because it is the safest, most accurate and most cost effective method. Not only can it measure body composition to the highest degree, it can specify body fat percentages to each area of the body. During dieting and exercise this can be used to track progress and help achieve your desired goals. 

DEXA scans also measure bone density and muscle mass, which can help track muscle atrophy during recovery periods from injuries.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During a DEXA Scan you will be asked to lie on your back on a soft table. You are asked to lay still as an X-Ray arm passes over your body, or the specific area of interest. Detectors in the DEXA scanner measure the density of each component of your body, and a comprehensive report is created.

In general, a DEXA Scan can take anywhere from six to twelve minutes depending on body habitus. A detailed report is then created outlining the patient’s body composition. Accurate Imaging Diagnostics offers consultations with highly qualified professionals regarding your report, so you can gain a thorough understanding of your results at no extra cost.

A DEXA Scan is completely painless and the exposure to radiation is very low – lower than the background radiation you receive day-to-day. 

Other Body Composition Options:

Skin calipers: Most cost effective and accessible. Skin calipers can only measure visible body fat under the skin. There is a high likelihood of human error that can occur. It is very difficult to obtain accurate results for persons who are either very lean or obese. Limited to aesthetic purposes, as skin calipers cannot measure visceral fat (fat around the organs).

Bioelectrical impedance analysis: Extensive variables make this quite unreliable. Can over or under estimate body fat percentage and body composition. Over or under hydration can exponentially reduce accuracy. Body fat percentages are measured by sending electrical impulses throughout the body. 

Hydrostatic weighing: This is a very accurate method of measuring body composition, but is very expensive and has a lengthy process. Patients are weighed under water using heavy machinery. This process, although very accurate, is widely unavailable to the masses.

Air-displacement plethysmography (BOD/POD): Similar to hydrostatic weighing. Very accurate but requires heavy machinery and is very expensive. Can only be found in medical facilities associated with universities and research.

CT Scans: High doses of radiation. Not very accurate at measuring body composition

While there are several ways to obtain a body composition report, DEXA is the fastest, most affordable, and most accurate way to obtain a breakdown of your full body composition