Duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has become a method of choice for assessing body composition because of its unique ability to conveniently and efficiently measure distinct body compartments:

  1. total and regional fat mass (FM)
  2. lean tissue mass (LTM)
  3. bone mineral content (BMC)
  4. bone mineral density (BMD)

The accuracy and reliability of DEXA had bee indicated by a series of validation studies that have consistently demonstrated highly significant relationships to animal carcass analysis of bone, LTM, and FM (pig, rat, and mouse).

Hologic DEXA

GE Lunar Prodigy

Since the development of DEXA in the 1980s, improvements in the DEXA’s capability and accuracy have been ongoing. Newer models have incorporated reduced scan times, more powerful X-rays, improved image quality, and more recently, the ability to accommodate larger patient sizes and co-morbid conditions. However, differences in DEXA models (i.e., manufacturer, software version, type of scanning beam, and method of calibration) may affect results.

Medical Imaging Systems works with each medical facility to determine which DEXA device works best for them in serving their patients.