DEXA BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS
WHAT IS DEXA BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS?
DEXA Body Composition Analysis is also known as a “DEXA Scan.” Think about Body Composition Analysis as “Next Level BMI”
Routine Body Mass Index (BMI) is imprecise. It combines the muscle and fat and bone composition in your body to provide a rough guess of your body fat. It is often inaccurate for people with a high muscle mass and an imprecise way to guess at one physical composition and body fitness.
The DEXA Body Composition Scan is different. The scan is short (only 8 minutes), and it provides an in-depth analysis of the main components of your body. These components are fat-rich structures, water-rich structures (muscle), and mineralization-rich structures (bone). It also provides measurements of fat distribution in the arms, legs, hip (gynoid region), and waist (android region).
WHY IS IT USEFUL?
DEXA Body Composition Analysis is the gold standard in body composition analysis. The DEXA Scan is a valuable tool for assessing your body composition and monitoring your body’s response to your nutritional regimens, weightlifting, HIIT training, cardio routine, or any other consistent health interventions.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All adults 18+ years of age are eligible.
All DEXA scans use ionizing radiation. Because of this:
- There must be ZERO chance of pregnancy before having this exam. ALL female patients ages 10-55 having any exams in our clinic exposed to ionizing radiation will be asked about their last menstrual period to determine the possibility of pregnancy. If there is any chance you could be pregnant, please call our office to reschedule your exam.
- You need a doctor’s referral.
Please note that our scanning table has a weight limit of 300lbs for Body Composition Scan exams.
The cost of the examination is $65 as it is not yet covered by Alberta Health Care. This is payable at the time of the exam.
We know you are excited to track your progress; however, we recommend waiting 3 months between follow-up scans to minimize the radiation dose.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in and preparation for the exam.
- Your height and weight will be measured before the exam begins.
- You will be asked to change into a gown for all DEXA scans.
- You will be positioned on the scanning table flat on your back. You must be able to get on and off the table with no assistance.
- You must hold still for the duration of the entire scan, which is approximately 8 minutes.
After the exam, you will be given a printed copy of your body composition results immediately for your records and to incorporate the information into your lifestyle plans.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
- Avoid taking calcium and iron supplements on the day of the exam.
- Please remove any jewelry and external medical devices (e.g., Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors) if possible. If they cannot be removed, the effect on the results will be minimal.
- We can still do your exam if you have artificial limb replacements or other surgical hardware.
- Do not have Nuclear Medicine exams, or any CT or MRI exams where IV contrast was used within 1 week of the DEXA Scan. Those exams will interfere with the results of your DEXA scan. If you have, please call us to reschedule.
Do not have a barium exam within 2 weeks of the DEXA Scan. Those exams will interfere with the results of your DEXA scan. If you have, please call us to reschedule.
MORE INFORMATION
Here is a DEXA Sample Report, this is the report you get to take home with you & will be provided to your doctor.
If you want to know even more dxaperformance.com
FAQ
How much does a Body Composition Analysis cost?
Since this exam is not covered by Alberta Health Care, a fee of $65 will be charged at the time of exam.
Who can get a Body Composition Analysis?
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- A referral from your health care provider is required.
- Our equipment has a weight limit of 300 lbs (135 Kg)
- You must be certain you are not pregnant.