The MA601 uses 3 frequencies (5kHz, 50kHz, 250kHz), and will complete measurements within 45 seconds. The MA801 uses 5 frequencies (5kHz, 20kHz, 50kHz, 100kHz, 250kHz), and will complete measurements within 50 seconds.
Remove shoes and socks before scanning, and stand on measurement platform. Place feet on foot electrodes, and grasp handles firmly. Arms should be extended straight and slightly outward. For best results, try to keep still, and avoid speaking during your Charder body composition scan.
Body composition doesn't change significantly day-to-day. While frequency depends on each individual or program's needs, we generally recommend scanning once every 2-3 weeks to track and monitor progress.
For best results, we following the guidelines below:
- No vigorous exercise - Measure before exercise, not after! Exercise affects circulation and body water, which will affect measurement accuracy.
- Use the bathroom - The effect of body waste on electrical conductivity is unknown, and may be interpreted as fat mass.
- Avoid food and drink 2 hours before measurement - The effect of food and drink (digested and undigested) on electrical conductivity is unknown, and may be interpreted as fat mass.
- Input data correctly - Charder body composition analyzers utilize input data (Height, Age, Gender) and measurement data (Weight, Impedance) to measure body composition. If input is incorrect, interpretation of results will also be inaccurate.
We do not recommend directly comparing scan results between BIA devices manufactured by different brands.
Both the hardware and software of a BIA device can affect the data used by the algorithms for calculations of body composition. In addition, each manufacturer uses its own unique set of algorithms to estimate results, and as such variation between different brands is possible. As such, we recommend using your Charder body composition as a baseline measurement, using it to track changes.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis is an established technology that has been used in the medical and fitness industry for many years. The electric current used for measurement is imperceptible; however, people with implanted electronic medical devices (e.g. pacemakers, artificial lungs) should NOT use BIA.
BIA scans are not recommended for the following groups:
- Pregnancy, Nursing Mothers - Body composition algorithms are based on "normal" healthy adults. Because body composition for pregnant women and nursing mothers is relatively inconsistent (particularly body water), results should be used for reference only.
- Prosthetics, Amputation - Measurement current needs to pass through both hands and feet to operate correctly. If subject has amputated limbs or prosthetics, the scan will not function correctly.
- Embedded Metal - Measurement utilizes electrical conductivity properties of the human body. Metal conductivity is higher than that of body tissue, and may cause inaccurate measurement results.
That said, it is important to note that even if a subject has implants, that in of itself does not mean BIA cannot be used. Bioelectrical impedance analysis works by measuring electrical impedance as it passes through the patient's body. Body fat and muscle will result in different impedance values, thus making it possible to calculate results based on a combination of weight, impedance, and other input data. Therefore, if objects in the patient's body affect impedance, the end result may be influenced and less accurate. Current information from case studies indicates that metal implants can indeed affect the body composition analysis result.
However, this does not necessarily mean the device should not be used. For example, the MBF series uses a foot-to-foot measurement method. A metal tooth implant will have no effect on the impedance, because the electrical current does not pass through the head, and thus the end result will be the same as normal. The same goes for a patient with a metal implant in her arm.
If there is a metal implant in an area of the body where the electrical current passes through, then it may indeed affect impedance. The patient can still use the results, but should be made aware that there may be some inaccuracy, and results should be used primarily for tracking change, rather than a one-time diagnosis. The reason BIA can be used for tracking change even if there is an implant is because the implant's effect on impedance is consistent (unless, of course, it is removed). Thus even if there is an inaccuracy (ex: overestimation of body fat by 2%), it should fairly consistently overestimate by 2%, and so the device is still useful to see if your body composition has changed.
It is possible that some medications may affect your body composition measurement results. Notably, medications that affect body water and blood flow will likely affect overall results.
Body Composition does not remain consistent throughout the menstrual cycle. As such, scans during your cycle may not be as accurate.