Nomad Fit Lab DEXA Scan FAQ
Everything people ask before, during, and after their scan - answered in plain language. If your question isn’t here, reach us at [email protected] or (360) 488-9870.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
Understanding our company and the technology that maps your health from the inside out.
What does DEXA stand for, and what does it actually measure?
DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. The scanner passes two low-dose X-ray beams through your body at different energy levels. Because fat, lean muscle, and bone each absorb X-rays at different rates, the machine can separate and measure all three directly - not estimate them. What you get is a full-body breakdown: total body fat percentage, lean muscle mass by region (arms, legs, trunk), visceral fat around your organs, bone mineral density, and left-to-right muscle symmetry.
Is a DEXA scan the same as a bone density scan?
DEXA was originally developed for bone density screening and remains the clinical gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis. A full-body Nomad Fit Lab DEXA scan includes bone mineral density along with complete body composition data - body fat, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat - all in a single scan. You don’t have to choose between bone health and body composition: you get both.
How is DEXA different from an InBody machine or smart scale?
InBody machines and smart scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) - they send a small electrical current through your body and estimate body composition based on how quickly it travels. That speed changes based on hydration, meal timing, and exercise, which is why the numbers shift day to day. DEXA uses X-rays to directly measure fat, muscle, and bone regardless of those variables, with a margin of error of approximately 1-2% compared to 3-8% for BIA-based devices.
Booking & Logistics
How to find us and secure your appointment.
Do I need a referral from a doctor to get a DEXA scan?
No referral needed. You book directly through Nomad Fit Lab’s website, pick a time and location that works for you, and show up. No physician order, no insurance pre-authorization, no paperwork before you arrive.
Where does the scan happen?
Nomad Fit Lab is a mobile DEXA scan lab - the equipment comes to you. We operate out of a custom-fitted mobile lab that visits gyms, neighborhoods, and events across Western Washington and Greater Phoenix. You don’t travel to a clinic; we park near you.
How long does the whole appointment take?
Plan for 15 minutes total - that covers check-in, the scan itself (which takes approximately 7 minutes lying still on a padded table inside the mobile lab), and a one-on-one results review with our certified technician before you leave.
Can I book for someone else - a spouse, training client, or team member?
Yes. You can book on behalf of someone else. The person being scanned will need to complete a health intake form before the appointment. For groups or teams, contact us directly about scheduling a block of appointments.
Preparing for Your Scan
Guidelines to ensure the highest accuracy for your results.
What should I wear to my DEXA scan appointment?
Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing - athletic wear or a swimsuit works well. Avoid clothing with metal hardware: underwire bras, belts, jeans with heavy zippers, or compression garments with metal boning. Metal interferes with the X-ray beams and affects the reading. We recommend leaving jewelry at home or removing it before the scan.
Should I fast before my DEXA scan?
Avoid eating a large meal in the 3 hours before your scan. A light snack is fine. The scan doesn’t require a full fast, but a heavy meal can affect hydration and soft tissue readings.
Can I exercise before my appointment?
Avoid intense exercise in the 3 hours before your scan. Hard training shifts fluid into your muscles and can affect soft tissue measurements. A walk or light activity is fine.
Does it matter what time of day I scan?
If you plan to get repeat scans to track progress over time, try to book at roughly the same time of day, under the same conditions - similar hydration, similar meal timing, similar activity level. DEXA results are highly consistent, but scanning at the same time of day makes comparisons across scans even cleaner.
Safety
Safe, medical-grade imaging with minimal exposure.
Is a DEXA scan safe? How much radiation is involved?
A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of X-ray radiation - less than a standard chest X-ray and roughly equivalent to a few hours of natural background radiation from the environment. The American College of Radiology considers DEXA one of the lowest-radiation imaging procedures available. For the vast majority of people, this level of exposure carries no meaningful health risk.
Can I get a DEXA scan if I’m pregnant?
No. DEXA is not recommended during pregnancy. If there is any possibility you may be pregnant, please postpone your scan until after delivery. Please note this on your intake form and our technician will confirm before proceeding.
Is there a weight limit for the scanner?
Yes. The GE Lunar DEXA scanner used by Nomad Fit Lab has a maximum patient weight of 350 lbs / 159 kg. If you have questions about whether the scanner is appropriate for you, contact us before booking.
Results
How to access and interpret your body composition data.
When do I get my results?
Your full DEXA report is emailed to you the same day as your scan - typically within a few hours of your appointment. Our technician also walks you through the highlights one-on-one before you leave the mobile lab.
What’s actually in the report? Will I understand it?
The report includes a full breakdown of your body composition: total fat mass and percentage, lean muscle mass segmented by arms, legs, and trunk, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), bone mineral density with T-scores, and a regional muscle symmetry comparison. Our technician walks you through each section, so you’re not deciphering a clinical document on your own.
What is visceral fat and why does it matter?
Visceral fat is the fat stored around your internal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is metabolically active and independently associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, even at a normal body weight. DEXA is one of the only accessible tests that measures visceral fat directly.
Pricing & Insurance
Transparent costs for high-quality health data.
How much does a DEXA scan cost at Nomad Fit Lab?
A single DEXA scan is $39.95. A 3-Pack is $149.95 - saving $30 and covering three scans to track progress over 6-9 months. The Annual Plan is $39.95/month and includes one scan per month. All packages include the full report and same-day results.
Does insurance cover DEXA scans?
Most health insurance plans do not cover DEXA body composition scans - those are generally considered elective. However, DEXA bone density scans ordered by a physician for clinical purposes may be covered depending on your plan.
Do you accept HSA or FSA cards?
Yes - DEXA scans are eligible for HSA and FSA spending, and we accept both cards directly at booking. If your plan requires a Letter of Medical Necessity, your physician can provide one.
Reach us directly
Nomad Fit Lab is a mobile DEXA scan lab serving Western Washington and Greater Phoenix. We bring gold-standard body composition scans directly to your gym or neighborhood. The scan measures bone density, lean muscle mass by region, body fat percentage, visceral fat, and resting metabolic rate. From $39.95, under 15 minutes, with results in your inbox the same day.
Find a mobile lab near you