Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

06:48
Clinical Anthropometrics and Body Composition from 3-Dimensional Optical Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2024
Comparison of software versions for body composition analysis using the PIXImus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer
M S Johnson1, N M Landy, E P Potter
1Division of Physiology and Metabolism, Department of Nutrition Sciences, and the Clinical Nutrition Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 35294-3360, USA.
Summary
Newer dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) software versions (1.44, 1.45) alter mouse body composition measurements. Software-specific prediction equations are crucial for accurate analysis compared to chemical methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Animal Models
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a validated method for mouse body composition analysis.
- Previous studies utilized GE-Lunar PIXImus software version 1.42.
- Newer software versions (1.44, 1.45) have been released, necessitating re-validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare body composition data derived from DXA software versions 1.44 and 1.45 with previously established results from version 1.42.
- To assess the accuracy of newer software versions against carcass analysis.
- To develop and validate software-specific prediction equations for accurate body composition analysis.
Main Methods:
- DXA scans were performed on twenty-five male C57Bl/6J mice (6-11 weeks old).
- Body composition parameters including lean tissue mass (LTM), fat mass (FM), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured.
- Data from software versions 1.44 and 1.45 were compared to version 1.42 and carcass analysis.
Main Results:
- Versions 1.44 and 1.45 significantly overestimated LTM and BMD while underestimating FM and BMC compared to version 1.42.
- Compared to carcass analysis, newer versions also overestimated FM and LTM and underestimated BMC.
- Highly correlated results with carcass analysis were achieved using software-specific prediction equations.
Conclusions:
- DXA software updates necessitate re-evaluation of body composition measurement protocols.
- Software-specific prediction equations are essential for accurate DXA-derived body composition data in mice.
- Accurate body composition analysis in mice using DXA requires calibration with chemical analysis via specific equations.

