Research
Mixed
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the recommended clinical technique for assessing body composition (lean and fat mass) because it offers accuracy comparable to CT/MRI with significantly lower radiation exposure and cost.
Use DXA for accurate body composition tracking. It is safer and more accessible than CT/MRI for clinical purposes. Ensure standardized conditions (fasting, no exercise prior) for accurate results.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
DXA is a low-dose radiation technique, which is generally reported to be more accessible and comfortable for the patients, that can easily provide several BC indices in a few minutes... there is a general consensus about the fact that DXA should be considered the technique of reference for the assessment in clinical practice of BC
Why this rating
Based on a review of multiple studies and consensus guidelines (EWGSOP), though it is a review article not a primary trial.
Source
Body composition with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry: from basics to new tools
Carmelo Messina et al. · Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery · 2020
DOI 10.21037/qims.2020.03.02
narrative_reviewCited 246×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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