Body Composition

Come normally hydrated but on an empty stomach where you can: no food for 3 hours, no training, sauna or alcohol for 12–24 hours, empty your bladder just before, and no lotion on hands or feet.

• Important safety noteTell us beforehand if you have a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, or if you are pregnant — we will use skinfolds instead
• RequiredNo food for 3 hours before
• RequiredNo training for 12 hours, no sauna or hot bath for 24 hours
• RequiredNo alcohol for 24 hours
• Strongly recommendedEmpty your bladder immediately before the scan
• Strongly recommendedNo caffeine in the 3 hours before
• Strongly recommendedBare feet — no lotion or cream on hands or feet
• OptionalBook the same time of day for every repeat scan

Food

No food for at least 3 hours before, and no large or salty meal on the day. An early-morning scan before breakfast is ideal.

Hydration

Drink normally — do not arrive dehydrated and do not drink a large volume immediately before. Empty your bladder just before the scan.

Exercise

No training in the 12 hours before, and no sauna, steam room or hot bath in the 24 hours before.

Caffeine / stimulants

Avoid coffee, tea and energy drinks in the 3 hours before, as they act as a diuretic and shift your fluid balance.

Alcohol

No alcohol in the 24 hours before.

Medication

Take your prescribed medication as normal. Tell the test leader what you have taken and when, as some medication (for example beta-blockers, asthma inhalers, antihistamines) changes heart rate or breathing and must be recorded with your results. Do not change or stop medication for a test.

Clothing

Light athletic clothing, bare feet. Remove watches, rings and heavy jewellery.

Arrival

Arrive a few minutes early, empty your bladder and let your body settle before the scan.

Other

For tracking change over time, always book the same time of day and repeat the same preparation. Comparing a fasted morning scan with an afternoon scan after training tells you nothing useful. Cancellation and rescheduling: cancel free of charge with more than 72 hours' notice (full refund). Reschedule free of charge with more than 48 hours' notice. Inside 48 hours the appointment is treated as a late cancellation and the fee is not refundable, because the lab slot, technician and consumables are reserved for you.

What to bring: Light athletic clothing. Bare feet are required — you will remove shoes and socks. Remove heavy jewellery before the scan.