Performing Segmental Measurements

Multi-frequency BIA technology with the QuadScan 4000 has the advantage of performing measurements on specific sections of the body without the weight or other input data of the area being measured and still obtaining meaningful output data.

Only the accurate raw Impedance measurement data at 5 kHz and 200 kHz is used to calculate the Illness Marker and applying its principles of interpretation.

Some users may additionally use the Reactance and Phase Angle values to interpret the measurement results.

It may either be the health or nutritional status of the body cells or the ratio of ECW to TBW of the particular body segment that is being determined.

This may also depend on the medical condition and health status of the subject itself and the segmental area of measurement.

However, the important point to remember is that it is CHANGE in the marker that should be focused upon to determine the TREND over a period of time, either hours, days, weeks or months.

Examples of the segmental technique & electrode placement:

It is IMPORTANT to always place the BLACK LEAD/electrode on a reproducible spot on the body to ensure accurate impedance values when monitoring CHANGE. The BLACK leads are placed on the "INSIDE" of the area of measurement and the RED leads on the "OUTSIDE" of the area. There should always be a minimum of 3cm (preferably 5cm) between the placement of the black and red electrode to avoid electrical current and measurement problems.

The significance of using the Bodystat Marker concept (Illness or Wellness) is that the ratio provides a quantifiable value against which change and the consequent rate of improvement or deterioration, can be monitored. Therefore tracking change over time becomes the main criteria in using this unique technology.

LEFT LUNG / RIGHT LUNG
Surgery - Measure base line values pre-operatively (e.g. heart transplants). Then measure immediately after the operation (fluid levels may be high) and again a few days later to establish if fluid levels have returned to near enough base line values.

Electrodes are placed on the sternum and on the side of the chest below the arm pit to approximately cover the measurement area of the lung.

Measure between the sternum and lower side chest area.

LEFT LEG / RIGHT LEG
Rehabilitation - A subject may be recovering from a broken leg that has been in a plaster cast for many weeks. During that period some muscle wasting may have occurred.

During the rehabilitation period with some exercise, the Illness (or can be called Wellness in this case) Marker of the affected leg can be measured against the healthy leg that is used as a control marker.

Measure the area between the hip and foot.