Body composition measurement involves calculating the proportions of fat and lean tissue in the body. Body composition testing is a valuable tool for determining body fat percentage and recommending an appropriate body weight. Our lab offers two types of body composition testing: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the Bod Pod, which uses air displacement technology to measure your body composition. DXA is considered the most accurate method and is often referred to as the Gold Standard in body composition testing. In addition to body composition results, a DXA scan also provides information on bone density. While our laboratory aims to provide the most reliable and valid body composition assessments through the Bod Pod and DXA, we also offer additional forms of body composition assessments upon request, including skinfold assessment and hydrostatic weighing.
DXA scan information
Full Body DXA Scan
A full body DXA scan provides an overview of body composition, including bone mineral density, lean mass, and fat mass. This is a good option for clients interested in general health, body composition, athletic monitoring, or establishing a baseline for future comparison.
Hip & Spine DXA Scan
A hip and spine DXA scan focuses specifically on bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and hip, which are key sites used when assessing bone health. This option is more appropriate when bone density is the primary concern or when a more clinically focused assessment of skeletal health is desired.
Which scan should I choose?
If you are generally interested in your body composition and overall bone health, we recommend starting with a Full Body DXA Scan. If your primary concern is bone density or osteoporosis risk, a Hip & Spine DXA Scan may be more appropriate.
Important Information for Returning Clients
Our laboratory has recently transitioned from a GE DXA system to a Hologic DXA system. Because different DXA manufacturers use different hardware, calibration, and analysis methods, measurements such as bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and lean mass may differ between systems.
For this reason, results from your new Hologic scan should not be directly compared with previous GE DXA results from our laboratory. Your first Hologic scan will instead provide a new baseline for future tracking.
How to Prepare
Please avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your scan. Wear comfortable clothing without metal, including zippers, buttons, underwire, or other metal fastenings, and remove jewelry where possible. For body composition monitoring, we recommend completing repeat scans under similar conditions each time, including time of day, food and fluid intake, exercise, and clothing to improve the consistency of your results.
Pricing
A Full Body DXA Scan or Hip & Spine Bone Density Scan is $75 per assessment.
BodPod Test Information
The BodPod is a body composition assessment that uses air displacement plethysmography (ADP) to measure the proportion of fat mass and lean mass in the body.
Body composition is divided into two components:
- Fat mass – all adipose (fat) tissue in the body
- Lean mass – including muscle, bone, organs, and body fluids
The test calculates these components and reports them as percentages of total body mass, providing a clear picture of overall body composition.
BodPod testing is safe, non-invasive, and efficient, with a full assessment completed in approximately 10 minutes. It is highly accurate and suitable for a wide range of individuals, including those who are obese, elderly, living with disabilities, or children. The system also offers excellent reliability, making it ideal for tracking changes in body composition over time.
How to Prepare
For the most accurate results, avoid eating, drinking, or exercising for approximately 2–3 hours before your assessment. Please wear minimal, tight-fitting clothing such as swimwear or compression-style athletic clothing. Loose clothing can trap air and affect the measurement. You will also be provided with a swim-style cap to compress your hair and minimize air trapped around the head. If completing repeat assessments, try to replicate the same preparation, clothing, hydration, and testing conditions each time.
Pricing
A BodPod test costs $55.00.
