DEXA Body Composition

DEXA Body Composition is a specialist X-ray that assesses the distribution of muscle, fat, water and bone in the body. The scan measures your total body fat percentage (including visceral fat) and can help diagnose and monitor the progression of disease such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. It is also useful for the improvement of obesity and is often used as a motivational tool to coincide with exercise and dietary programs.

Related Information

Preparation and on the day

No preparation is required for the scan however appointments are necessary. At the time of the scan a radiographer will discuss the procedure with you and will usually ask you to get changed into a gown. During the scan you will be required to lie down on the scanner bed and the scan itself will last approximately 5 minutes. Please note that body composition scans are not covered by Medicare and a private account applies on the day.

Results

The DEXA machine generates a read out of your body that is used by the radiologist to report on. The radiologists report is sent electronically the next day to your referring physician for you both to review.