How It Works
The PEA POD uses patented Air Displacement Plethysmography for determining percent fat and fat-free mass in infants. The simple, 7-minute test consists of measuring the subject's mass (weight) using a very precise electronic scale, and volume, which is determined while the infant lies inside the PEA POD chamber. From these two measurements, the infant’s body composition is calculated.
The PEA POD consists of two chambers. The Test Chamber is accessed through the Test Chamber Door and is where the infant is placed while in the Test Chamber Tray for the volume measurement. The acrylic Window allows the infant to be viewed at all times while inside the Test Chamber. The second, or Reference Chamber, is located inside the PEA POD. During the brief data collection period of the volume measurement, the chamber door is secured by an electromagnet. A Diaphragm, mounted internally between the two chambers, oscillates during testing and causes small changes in volume inside the chamber. The pressure response to these small volume changes is measured by first determining the interior volume of the empty PEA POD chamber, then measuring it again with the infant inside. By subtraction, the infant’s body volume is obtained.
Once the infant’s mass and volume are determined, body density is calculated and the relative proportions of fat and fat-free mass are determined.
