Keep scanning conditions exactly the same so you can compare results in a controlled manner
In terms of scanning conditions and interpreting results, the take home message is to keep scanning conditions exactly the same so you can compare results in a controlled manner. Always consider the following -
- The same time of the day of the scan
- The same hydration level
- The same food consumption
- The same medications
- The same supplements
- The same caffeine consumption
- The same phase of the menstrual cycle, ie. follicular phase or luteal phase.
- The client must have full contact with the silver tactile points (particularly full contact with palms) and the client should have clean hands and feet.
As the human body is dynamic and subject to fluid and blood volume changes throughout the day, the timing of the scan and the other points above are important to maintain repeatability of results. This is the same whether you measured using a DEXA scan, Bod Pod or Hydrostatic Weighing.
The variability of water content is minor in the whole equation. If changes in training and nutrition protocols are followed in a definitive time frame with full compliance, then results should reflect the change, so long as the above conditions are standardized.