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BIA - What and Why
BIA stands for Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, and is a quick and painless way to measure your body composition. Body composition means the different structures or parts of your body. The BIA can measure and track changes in the amounts of body fluids, fat, and lean body mass, which includes your muscles and organs. If you have had any recent weight changes, getting a BIA done can help you find out what is going on inside your body. |
A BIA is also a good way to make sure you are staying as healthy as possible. Although a BIA cannot tell you if you have lipodystrophy, it can help measure your total fat and muscle stores. This is important so that you can develop a plan with your registered dietitian and physician to reach your health goals.
If you haven't had a BIA done before, it's important to know a couple of things so you will be better prepared. First of all, the BIA sends a very low electrical current that you will not feel throughout your body. If you have an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD), you should not get a BIA done. BIA is perfectly safe for people with pacemakers.
•All metal jewelry should be removed. Although you won't feel anything, metal removal is encouraged for more accurate results.
•Try not to do any exercise or other activity that would make you sweat at least 8 hours before your test. This is important to get accurate body fluid results.
•Try not to have any beverages containing caffeine or alcohol in large quantities 12 hours before the test.
•You will be asked to go to the bathroom before the test to get rid of any waste products. If you have diarrhea, it is important to tell the person who is doing the BIA, as diarrhea can affect your body fluid results.
• Your height and weight will be measured. Your height will only be taken the first time, but your weight will be measured each time you come in for a BIA. Since an accurate weight is important, remember to empty out your pockets, remove your shoes and any other heavy clothing.
• You will be asked to remove your right shoe and sock before lying down on a table for the test.
• Two sticky pads, called electrodes, will be placed on your right hand and two more will be placed on your right foot. If you have lots of hair in these areas, you may feel some discomfort when the pads are removed.
• Once the leads are hooked up to the electrodes, the test will only take about one minute longer.
• The person doing the BIA test will then input some numbers, your age, weight, height, and gender into a computer. A page of results will then be printed.
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