Tanita Body Fat Analysis: The Protocol

The following information is provided by the Tanita Corporation to obtain an accurate assessment of body fat with the use of the Tanita BF350 series analyzer.

Protocol:

• No alcohol 48 hours before the test
• Avoid intense exercise 12 hours before the test
• Avoid all eating or drinking 4-8 hours prior to the test
• Slightly increase your intake of water a day or so before the test
• Empty your bladder and bowel if possible before the test
• Avoid all diuretics 7 days prior to the test (ie: iced or hot tea, coffee, chocolate, sodas, alcohol)
• Be awake at least one hour prior to testing
• Have bare feet when stepping on machine platform
• Illness (especially with accompanying diarrhea) at the time of testing may effect hydration levels which may effect results

In females, pre-menstruation can effect the outcome of the electrical impedence test. Pre-menstrual women may retain fluid and excess water, particularly in the extremities, allows the signal to pass more easily through the body. This translates to a lower impedence value, and a lower percent body fat. Long term trending analysis of pre-menstrual women is effective if the test is performed on a consistent monthly basis, and the clinician understands the relationship between water retention and percent body fat as calculated by Tanita.

Situations may arise where individuals cannot be expected to adhere to every pre-test condition. In such cases, it is important to know that reliable results are still possible. A crucial step in obtaining accurate results is maintaining consistent conditions. In other words, consistent pre-test behavior should yield reliable results.