GCRC Body Composition Laboratory
Harbor-UCLA Medical Canter and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute
Location:	Liu Ambulatory Research Center 1000 W. Carson St. Torrance, CA, 90502
Email:	Gcrc@Outpatient@labiomed.org
Phone Number:	1-310-781-3613
Description:	Related Resources & Cores General Clinical Research Center The Body Composition Core Laboratory is located at the GCRC outpatient facility in the Liu Research Building, Room 1069 (approximately 171 sq ft). This room houses the DEXA equipment, near-infrared interactance (NIR) and the bioelectrical impedance analysis machine. The DEXA, funded by a shared equipment grant from NCRR, performs precise determinations of regional fat mass, regional lean mass, total body fat, and total lean body mass. Body anthropometry and total body water measurements can be performed in the adjacent examination rooms. A stadiometer and a scale are located in the Phlebotomy room opposite to the Body Composition Laboratory. For the assessment of growth, standardized techniques for measuring stature, head circumference, and body weight are used to ensure accurate and precise measurements. Indirect assessment of body fat and fat-free mass is made from selected anthropometric measurements taken by standardized techniques of skin fold thickness and circumference measurements. Hip to waist ratios are measured in studies to assess visceral fat changes. Similarly, standardized techniques are used with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Selection of any method depends on the objectives of the study, convenience, health of the subject and the precision and accuracy required. A DEXA machine was obtained through the NIH-NCRR-Shared Instrumentation Grant Program and is governed by the LA BioMed DEXA Internal Advisory Committee . The Hologic QDR4500A (ACCLAIM series) with Magneto Optical Disk Storage can perform whole body bone densitometry as well as regional scans of the spine and hip as a means to assess total skeletal calcium mass and to monitor regional changes in bone mineral status. A spine phantom and a T-bar step phantom are measured regularly for calibration and quality control. This DEXA instrument also has the capability for high performance body composition measurements. The Body Composition Analysis (BCA) module facilitates bone mineral analysis. Body composition assessment can be precisely determined from a single, rapid whole-body scan that takes about 12 minutes to perform. A body composition phantom calibrated to lean and fat mass standard is included to assure the most accurate and reproducible body composition results across all patients. The laboratory has five certified staff to perform DEXA scans.