How long does the
DEXA scan take?
A total body composition scan using DEXA will take approximately 3-4
minutes. Following the scan the analysis and brief run-through of the
results will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
Do I need to wear any special clothing?
It is not necessary to wear any special clothing for the total body
composition scan but to be consistent for progress scanning, we may ask
you to change into a gown.
Will the scan tell me if I'm at a healthy
weight?
As well as
measuring your overall muscle, fat and bone mass, the scan will also
measure your overall fat percentage. At the end of the scan, you will
be given an information sheet indicating whether your fat percentage is
at a low, recommended, high, or very high range based on your age.
Is there a weight limit?
Due to the sensitivity of the
equipment, the machine has a weight limit of 135kg. This is due to two
factors: the bed that you lie on moves during scanning and the moving
parts can be put under pressure above certain weight levels causing
uneven scanning; and secondly,
the low-dose beam that passes
through the body can have difficulty penetrating through increased
amounts of fat.
Does the scan tell me what calorie intake I
should have?
The short answer is no. However the
scan will help determine what you want your goal weight to be, and is
an invaluable tool to be used by your personal trainer and/or dietitian
to design a program for you.
If you would like more information about
calorie intake, you can also contact Dr Jarrod Meerkin. Jarrod is an
experienced Exercise Physiologist with a Ph.D. from Queensland
University of Technology, a Masters degree (with honours) and a
Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Wollongong. He also
specialises in Body Composition scanning in NSW. Contact:
info@bodycomposition.com or
jarrod@measureup.com.au
Does the scan show my bone density?
The scan will give you an overall
indication of whether your bone density is at a normal or decreased
level. However, the best way to assess this is through the specialised
bone density scan. The specialised bone density scan does require a
referral from a doctor. Fee subject to Medicare eligibility.
Do I need a Doctors referral?
A referral from a general practitioner is
not essential for a total body composition scan.
How much radiation do I get from a total
body composition scan?
The quick answer
is an insignificant amount. We get exposed to radiation every day, from
the atmosphere, from the ground - even talcum powder gives off a tiny
amount of radiation. This is called 'natural background radiation'.
The radiation from a total body composition
scan is equivalent to less than half a
day of natural background radiation.
For more information, download this paper on
"Radiation Risks of DEXA
Total Body Scans" > -
136Kb
Right-click to download
How often should I have a scan?
Your body composition can change quite
rapidly and given that weight loss programs and various aerobic or
hypertrophy (muscle building) training programs are usually of 8 - 12
weeks duration we would not warrant measuring a change in your
composition for at least a minimum of 12 weeks. There is really no need
to have more than 3 - 4 total body composition scans over the course of
a year.
Can I be scanned if I am pregnant?
No. We will not permit you to
undertake a DEXA scan if you are pregnant. Whilst the risk to your baby
is negligible, good radiation practice dicates that we do not scan
pregnant women no
matter how low the radiation dose is. In addition, the changes to
your body due to the pregnancy will make any results meaningless.
My child is overweight, can I bring him/her
in for a DEXA scan?
If your child is under the age of 15 we will
not undertake a DEXA scan without a medical referral from your general
practitioner. If your child is between 15 and 18 years of age a parent
or guardian must be present for the scan. Proof of age will be
requested by the front desk staff so please do not be offended.
When do I get my report?
Once the brief run-through of your report is finished, you are able to
take away your report/results immediately. If you have requested your
report to be emailed, you should receive this by the end of the
business day.
What is the cost?
All costs are presented on the Fee Schedule
page of this website. Fees are payable by cash or EFTPOS (preferable) on
the day of your examination. Please note we do not accept American
Express or Diners.
Health Funds and Medicare?
A rebate is not available for this
service.
Any other questions?
Call our friendly staff on (07) 3395
7277 if you need any more information.
