FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why ultrasound and the BX 2000?
Is ultrasound as a body fat test validated?
How accurate is the BX 2000?
How long does the assessment take?
Is it easy to use?
What formulas do you use?
Will it be difficult to train others on how to use?
What are the advantages of the BX 2000?
Are there limitations to the BX 2000?
What should I avoid with the BX 2000?
Why ultrasound and the BX 2000?
The BX 2000 is more accurate, easy to use and non-invasive. The BX 2000 does not have the same limitations such as hydration levels or significant technician training as other body composition methods.
Has ultrasound as a method to test body fat been validated?
Yes. Using ultrasound as a way to measure composition has been around since the 1950's. It is used extensively in medicine today, in fact it's likely that you or someone close to you has an ultrasound baby picture. It is extremely safe and can accurately measure tissue thickness and position. In the last two decades of the 20th century a series of articles published worldwide by scientists, concluded that the ultrasound technology method for measuring human body composition is more accurate then the caliper (skin fold) methods, and comparable to computed tomography. In the beef and pork industry ultrasound has been used extensively to measure fat thickness, muscle thickness and grade beef. In the future the BX2000 and BodyView software will also be able to evaluate muscle quality.
How accurate is the BX 2000? Has the BX 2000 device been validated?
IntelaMetrix conducted several in-club trials of the BX 2000 in California and Germany over the period of several months. The trials showed that the BX 2000 body fat percentage compared favorable to skinfold calipers that were conducted by highly skilled caliper technicians. Further, IntelaMetrix’ comparison to a CT scan shows an extremely high correlation to fat thicknesses measured by CT. Finally, Dr. Holdon MacRae, Ph.D. of Pepperdine University is currently studying the BX 2000 against skinfld calipers and hydrostatic weighing.
See a Comparison Chart for the BX-2000
How long does the assessment take?
Only a few minutes by trained technicians. The technician need only put a small amount of gel on the device and touch the test site for a few seconds. The time will depend on the formula used and how may sites in the particular formula.
Yes. The BX 2000 is significantly easier to use than skinfold calipers. The technician need only touch the locations required under existing skinfold caliper formulas. For example, if you set the program to the Jackson Pollack 3 point formula, you need only apply the device to the thigh, chest and waist for 2 seconds on each site and in the same locations required for skinfold calipers.
BodyView currently has 8 formulas such as Jackson Pollok, NHCA and Durnin Wormersley, but most any formula can be added.
Will it be difficult to train others on how to use?
No. Based on customer feedback, technicians can be trained on the basics in under and hour. For more advanced reading of the data, practice and experience is best.
What are the advantages of the BX 2000?
It is more accurate, easier to use, less invasive and more affordable than existing methods.
Are there limitations to the BX 2000 such as hydration levels?
No. The BX 2000 measures tissue thickness and not electrical impulses like bioelectrical impedance (BIA). None of the BIA protocol limitations such as hydration, exercising, caffeine, time of day impact BX 2000 measurements.
What should I avoid with the BX 2000?
The evaluation should be done in a standing but relaxed position using the same locations (eg - right side of the body) as skinfold caliper formulas. Also, do not press too hard, which would compress the fat thickness, and the device should be as close to a 90 degree angle to the bone or cavity in the case of an abdominal measurement. This is required so the ultrasound wave has a reference point to bounce back off.