Mixed
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the recommended reference standard for measuring muscle mass in clinical practice and research due to its balance of feasibility, accuracy, safety, and cost.
If you need to measure your muscle mass accurately, ask for a DXA scan. It is the current best balance of accuracy, safety, and cost. While other methods like BIA scales exist, they are less accurate for individuals. CT and MRI are too expensive and expose you to more radiation (CT) or are less available.
Based on the feasibility, accuracy, safety, and low cost, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry can be considered as the reference standard for measuring muscle mass.
Why this rating
The paper is a consensus statement by a working group of experts based on comprehensive literature reviews, not a primary RCT, but carries high authority.
Source
Pitfalls in the measurement of muscle mass: a need for a reference standard
Fanny Buckinx et al. · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2018
DOI 10.1002/jcsm.12268
Related findings · Mixed
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