Evolt – Pre Scan Conditions for Accuracy and Consistency
The BIA Scan is based on an electrical current that is tested through water.
There are a number of factors that affects our total body water by overhydrating us or dehydrating us.
Here are our best tips to ensure Scan accuracy and consistency:
- Scan at the same time of the day
- Preferably do not scan after training
- Keep your hydration and food volume the same
- Recommended that females drink 2L and males 3L in the 24 hours prior to scan, and the morning before 500ml an hour before they scan
- Do not consume alcohol within 24-48 hours prior to the scan
- Keep food volume the same. Carbohydrates can bind to 3-4 grams of water and if the amount if carbohydrate intake is significantly different before scans, it can affect the accuracy of the scan.
- Do not consume caffeine or caffeine products such as pre workouts or other thermogenic aids or diuretic products. They deplete our body and muscle of water.
- Tracking your food and water for consistency – The evolt machine picks up on changes in hydration, fluid and glycogen if we maintain these variables we will get the most out of the scan. Fluctuations in Fibre and sodium can also impact accuracy.
- Ensure you are well hydrated
- If you are female take note of when you are in your menstrual cycle for consistency of readings. Estrogen and fluid retention can impact the scan.
- Ensure you have fasted for 3-4 hours before the scan (food in the stomach will be interpreted as fat mass)
- Ensuring controlled sleep patterns and exercise/training are consistent wil help with accuracy. You may consider having a rest day prior to the scan day.
- Medication – if medication is not taken or unchanged the scan will be consistent. Addition of new medications such as antibiotics or blood pressure medications may alter the accuracy of the result as it can effect the total body water positively or negatively.
- Afternoon scanning – fast for 3-4 hours before the scan for best accuracy