Measurement Points

A DEXA scan is the gold standard method in clinical studies for assessing both body composition and bone mineral density. A single test provides you with the following data points:

• Muscle mass in grams, per body part
• Visceral fat in grams and cubic centimeters
• Body fat in grams and percentage, per body part
• Bone mass in grams and cubic centimeters, per body part
• Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in g/cm² at spine, hip, and forearm
• T-score and Z-score according to WHO/ISCD guidelines
• Classification of osteopenia or osteoporosis (if applicable)
• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) according to the Harris-Benedict equation

Practical Information

A full-body DEXA scan takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. During the scan, you lie comfortably on a table while a mechanical arm moves slowly over your body, capturing detailed data from head to toe. It is important to remain still throughout the procedure to ensure accurate measurements.

Preparation

• No fasting or special preparation is required.
• You can keep your clothes on, except for items containing metal such as zippers or belts.
• Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to the scan for most accurate bone readings.

Accuracy
DEXA is considered the clinical reference standard. Its precision in measuring both bone mineral density and regional fat/lean mass has made it the method against which all other body composition techniques (e.g. BodPod, InBody) are compared.

Safety
The scan uses a Fujifilm FDX Visionary DR machine, with a radiation dose of 0.1 microsieverts (μSv)—comparable to the exposure from one hour of natural background radiation in Sweden, or a routine airport security scan.

Complete Data Points Included in the Final Report

• Basal Metabolic Rate (kcal/day)
• Total body fat percentage
• Fat Mass Index (FMI) in kg/m²
• Android/Gynoid fat ratio
• Trunk/legs fat ratio
• Trunk/limb fat mass ratio
• Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) area (cm²)
• VAT mass (g)
• VAT volume (cubic cm)
• Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT) area (cm²)
• Total body lean mass percentage
• Lean Mass Index (LMI) in kg/m²
• Appendicular Lean Mass Index (kg/m²)
• Total body bone percentage
• Bone Mineral Density (g/cm²) at spine, hip, and forearm
• T-score and Z-score (bone health relative to age and population norms)
• WHO diagnostic classification for osteoporosisa

Research Insights
DEXA-based bone mineral density scores are clinically validated to predict fracture risk and monitor the progression of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Simultaneously, elevated visceral fat levels have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline (1)(2).

Procedure

1. Book the Examination: Schedule your scan via the Helsa website.
2. Health Questionnaire: You will receive a digital questionnaire via email.
3. Appointment Confirmation: After submission, we will contact you by phone to confirm the appointment.
4. Results: Your complete report will be delivered securely via a link verified with Bank-ID.