Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SECA Scan?
The SECA mBCA body scan is a medical Body Composition Analyzer that uses bioelectrical impedance to determine body composition. What sets the SECA mBCA apart from other BIA analyzers is they have done several validation studies to optimize the algorithm. It is considered a medical device used for diagnostic measures.
What is a validation study?
To validate something means to verify that whatever you are looking at is accurate and true. A validation study is a research study that is conducted over a specific topic or condition, and then used as a reference that minimizes error and false information.
Does the SECA mBCA have validation studies?
Yes, the SECA mBCA has several validation studies to verify the accuracy of the measurements. This sets it apart from other BIA devices to ensure correct, accurate scans that minimize variation and error from scan to scan.
MRI - It has been validated to whole body MRI so that the SECA skeletal muscle reading is 97% accurate to an MRI.
4c Model - It has been validated to the 4 compartment model which uses a DEXA, Sodium Bromide to optimize the variability of water and mineral content to 98% accuracy.
Duterium Dilution - It has been validated to D2O to optimize ECW and TBW analysis to 98% accuracy.
Multi-ethnic Sudies - Several studies have been conducted on multiple ethnicities to elimitate bias and optimize ranges.
Obesity - Several studies have been conducted on the obese population to eliminate bias and inconsistancies.
Geriatrics - Several studies have been conducted on the geriatric populationages 65 and older to eliminate bias and inconsistancies.
https://www.seca.com/en_us/products/body-composition-analysis/clinical-studies.html
Why is this scan important for me?
Understanding your specific body composition helps you optimize your goals and identify areas that may need changes. It gives you credit for what you are doing well, while also identify places where you might have gaps. That way you can adjust your nutrition, programing, and/or supplementation to optimize your total health.
We also look at your cellular health through phase angle, BIVA Elipsis, and hydration ratios. Since water makes up 80% of your body, and 75% of your skeletal muscle, it is vitally important to understanrd your specific hydration down to the cellular level. Since the cells are the true building blocks of your body, making sure they are healthy and hydrated are vital for full health, complete wellness, and optimal fitness.
Why is my body fat percentage so different on the SECA mBCA vs other BIA devices such as InBody and Tanika, and which one is the better measurement?
The reason for this difference is an over estimation of Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) on the other BIA devices. Since body fat is a ratio between lean mass and fat mass, when there is an over estimation of lean mass the body fat percentage goes down. Because the SECA mBCA has been validated to an MRI to 98% accuracy, the results from our scans are extremely accurate, with true meaurements. Clients who are used to getting inaccurate scanning measurements prior to scanning with us tend to get frustrated at first because there is usually a huge difference between percentage readings.
Due to the validation studies of water dilutions with the SECA mBCA, the variability with water shifts is reduced decreasing variability between scans. When you have other BIA devices, look for validation studies varifying their results. Sometimes they will list the compartments that are measured and at the very end use a measurement such as heart rate, then boast the accuracy percenatge for that specific measuement is high, which makes you believe that accuracy refers to ALL measurements - which it does not.
In order to have longstanding change, true data is needed to be able to identify gaps and adjust accordingly.
How do I see my SECA results?
Once you scan with us, you will recieve an email from SECA MyAnalytics to create an account. Once that account is created, you have access to your results. Whenever you scan, you will immediately see your scan results in the app. Your view on the app is the exact same as what you see when we walk through the results with you. You can login with an internet browser or download the SECA MyAnalytics App for easy access. You also have easy access to send a PDF and share your results with your doctor, trainer, nutrition coach or anyone you wish. Due to it beng a medical device and HIPAA compliance, the email link only stays active for 24 hrs. If the link is no longer active, just contact us and we can resend the link.