Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
This technique was initially developed to measure bone mineral density, not body composition. During testing a subject lies on a table and the body is slowly scanned. Computer software then reconstructs an image of the underlying tissue to determine total fat and lean mass.
Average Test Time: 10 minutes
Advantages:
- Provides more accurate results than field methods.
- Comfortable.
Disadvantages:
- Uses x-ray technology, which is invasive.
- Special license required for operator.
- Equipment is very expensive and availability is mostly exclusive to medical facilities.
- Cannot accommodate extremely large/obese people.
- Different DXA equipment can produce different results.