Test Prep

Prepare for Your Visit to DEXAlab Philly

Prepare for Your Visit

Following a few simple preparation steps ensures your results are as
accurate and actionable as possible.

Book Appointment

Guidelines to Arrive Ready

DEXA Scan Preparation

For body composition and bone density testing.

Before your DEXA scan:

Wear comfortable clothing without metal
Avoid belts, watches, jewelry, glasses, and metal accessories
Empty your pockets before the scan
Stay hydrated before your appointment
Avoid intense exercise before your visit
Try to limit heavy physical activity before the scan
Avoid eating a large meal shortly before your appointment
Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan

During your DEXA scan:

During the scan, you will lie still on the scanning table while the machine captures your body composition and/or bone density data. The process is simple, non-invasive, and 7-12 minutes.
Your results show fat mass, lean muscle mass, bone mineral content, visceral fat, and regional body composition. We explain your numbers clearly so you understand what they mean and how they may support your health, fitness, or progress tracking.

Before your DEXA scan:

Wear comfortable clothing without metal
Avoid belts, watches, jewelry, glasses, and metal accessories
Empty your pockets before the scan
Stay hydrated before your appointment
Avoid intense exercise before your visit
Try to limit heavy physical activity before the scan
Avoid eating a large meal shortly before your appointment
Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan

During your DEXA scan:

During the scan, you will lie still on the scanning table while the machine captures your body composition and/or bone density data. The process is simple, non-invasive, and 7-12 minutes.
Your results show fat mass, lean muscle mass, bone mineral content, visceral fat, and regional body composition. We explain your numbers so you understand what they mean and how they may support your health, fitness, or progress tracking.

VO2 Max Testing Preparation

For cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and training zone data.

Before your VO2 Max test:

Wear workout clothes
Wear athletic shoes suitable for treadmil
Be prepared to run or walk uphill on a treadmill
Avoid hard exercise before your appointment
Avoid caffeine or stimulants on the day of your test
Drink water and arrive well hydrated
Do not eat for at least 2 hours before your appointment

During the test, you will complete a guided exercise assessment while your breathing, heart rate, and effort are measured. The intensity gradually increases so we can understand how your body responds during exercise.
Your results help show cardiovascular fitness, oxygen use, and endurance capacity. We explain your numbers clearly so you know how they may apply to your workouts, training goals, or fitness tracking.

VO2 Max Testing Preparation

Wear workout clothes
Wear athletic shoes suitable for treadmil
Be prepared to run or walk uphill on a treadmill
Avoid hard exercise before your appointment
Avoid caffeine or stimulants on the day of your test
Drink water and arrive well hydrated
Do not eat for at least 2 hours before your appointment

During your VO2 Max Testing:

During the test, you will complete a guided exercise assessment while your breathing, heart rate, and effort are measured. The intensity gradually increases so we can understand how your body responds during exercise.
Your results help show cardiovascular fitness, oxygen use, and endurance capacity. We explain your numbers clearly so you know how they may apply to your workouts, training goals, or fitness tracking.

RMR Testing Preparation

For resting metabolism and resting calorie burn.

Before your RMR test:

Do not eat for at least 5 hours before your appointment
Water is allowed
Do not drink coffee or take caffeine from the morning of your test
Avoid stimulants before your test
Avoid alcohol before your appointment
Avoid exercise before your visit
Wear comfortable clothing

Before your RMR test:

Do not eat for at least 5 hours before your appointment
Water is allowed
Do not drink coffee or take caffeine from the morning of your test
Avoid stimulants before your test
Avoid alcohol before your appointment
Avoid exercise before your visit
Wear comfortable clothing

During your RMR test:

Not Sure How to Prepare?

If you have questions before your appointment, contact DEXAlab Philly before your visit. We will help you understand what to do so you can arrive prepared and feel confident.