A Body Composition scan is an x-ray performed on a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner measuring the percentage of fat and muscle tissue within the body – helping you understand strength and resilience as you age.
What a body composition scan measures
A body composition scan measures what your body is made of.
- What it measures: fat mass, lean muscle mass and how they are distributed across your body.
- Why it is performed: to establish a baseline and to track change over time
- Which part of your body is scanned: the whole body.
- Who can refer: a GP, a specialist or an allied health practitioner.
- Also called: body composition analysis, DEXA body scan, body fat scan.
A body composition scan can provide valuable information to support a patient’s health and treatment program. It offers a more accurate assessment of fitness levels and health risks than body weight, body mass index (BMI) or skinfold testing, and is suitable for elite athletes as well as individuals seeking a better understanding of their general health.
How a DEXA body composition scan works
DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) uses two X-ray beams of different energy levels to assess body composition. As bone, fat and lean tissue absorb these beams at different rates, the scanner is able to distinguish between them and measure each tissue type separately.
The procedure is quick and non-invasive. Patients lie on an open table, with no enclosed scanner and no injection required.
Body composition or bone density: which scan has your doctor asked for?
Bone density and body composition are 2 different scans performed on the same machine.
Your referring practitioner will either request a bone density scan (sometimes written as bone densitometry or BMD) or a body composition scan. The 2 scans are booked differently, take different amounts of time and are reported differently.
A Bone Density scan measures how much mineral content is stored within your bones, to assess bone health, to look for osteoporosis or osteopenia, and to help estimate your risk of fracture. Learn more here: bone density scan.
What happens during a body composition scan
A DEXA body composition scan is a simple and painless procedure. Prior to the scan, the patient’s height and weight will be measured.
The patient then lies still on an open, padded table and is not enclosed at any stage – and no injection is required. During the scan, the scanning arm passes above the body without making contact. Patients may be asked to hold a specific position or rest their legs on a positioning support.
How long a body composition scan takes
A body composition scan takes about 10 minutes, and we suggest allowing 20 minutes.
How to prepare
- If you take calcium supplements, withhold them for 24 hours before your scan.
- Wear thin clothing with no metal or dense components on it. If possible, wear a clip-less bra with no underwires. We can supply an imaging gown if you would prefer.
- Remove jewellery before your scan, or preferably leave it at home.
- Bring any previous DEXA scans, if they were not performed at a Jones Radiology clinic.
Precautions
Patients who are pregnant, or who suspect they may be pregnant, should advise our staff prior to their appointment. Body Composition scans are non-urgent examinations, and are not recommended during pregnancy.
Implanted metal devices are ok to scan, adjustments will be made on your results by the technician.
Certain imaging tests performed prior to a DEXA scan may affect the accuracy of the results, as injected or ingested contrast media can interfere with the measurement. Patients are asked to advise our staff at the time of booking if they have recently undergone any of the following procedures.
- A barium study. Allow 1 week before a DEXA scan.
- A contrast study, such as an X-ray, CT or MRI using dye. Allow 48 hours.
- A nuclear medicine injection. Allow 48 hours, although some nuclear medicine injections need 1 to 2 weeks.
Our scanners have a weight limit of 227kg.
Radiation and safety
A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of X-ray radiation. No injection is required, and no substance remains in the body following the procedure.
The maximum radiation dose received during a DEXA scan is equivalent to approximately one day of natural radiation exposure.
Where to have a body composition scan in South Australia
Body composition scans are performed at Burnside, Gawler, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker, Port Augusta, Prospect, and 337 South Terrace in Adelaide.
You can find details on addresses, opening hours and parking on our clinic locations page.
Booking a body composition scan online
You can book a body composition scan online, in 3 steps.
- Choose your scan and your clinic.
- Pick a time that suits you.
- Upload your referral.
If you have already booked and only need to send your paperwork, use Upload a Referral.
Referrals and fees
All imaging is performed on referral from a general practitioner, specialist or other eligible health practitioner. A valid referral is required for a body composition scan.
Fees depend on the examination, your referral and your eligibility for a Medicare rebate. Find more information on billing and Medicare rebates on our billing page.
Your results
All images are reviewed and reported by a Jones radiologist. The report is then forwarded to the referring practitioner, who will discuss the findings with the patient.
You can also view your own reports through the Patient portal.
Body Composition Scan FAQs
Is a body composition scan the same as a DEXA scan?
A body composition scan is a DEXA scan, but not every DEXA scan is a body composition scan. DEXA is the technology. Bone density and body composition are the 2 studies performed with it.
Does a body composition scan hurt?
No. Nothing enters the body and nothing presses on you. You lie still on an open table while the scanning arm passes above you.
Do I need a referral for a body composition scan?
Yes. Both a bone density scan and a body composition scan need a referral.
Is a body composition scan more accurate than BMI?
Yes. A body composition scan is more accurate than body weight, BMI and skin fold testing for assessing fitness levels and health risks.
Can I have a body composition scan and a bone density scan at the same visit?
Yes. Both scans need to be clearly requested, either on 1 referral or on 2 separate referrals.
Can I have a body composition scan if I have metal implants or a joint replacement?
Joint replacements, spinal hardware after surgery, or a recent fracture can affect the result. For a body composition scan the affected region will read differently, but every other area remains accurate.
Our scanners are cross-calibrated, so a follow-up scan can be performed accurately at any of our clinics.
Are you ready to make your Body Composition Scan appointment?
Our online booking platform allows you to quickly and easily make an appointment online.
