What happens before your appointment
Most of the history is collected beforehand, so the appointment itself is spent measuring rather than typing.
The information gathered in advance
- Symptoms, in your own words, and how long they have been going on.
- Past medical history and previous procedures.
- Family history — particularly diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and cancer.
- Social history, including alcohol and tobacco.
- Every medication and supplement, with dose and timing.
- What you are hoping the assessment will answer.
That last item shapes the plan more than anything else on the list. How a testing plan is chosen.
Things to tell us when you book
Four in particular, because each one changes what is done.
- A pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other implanted electrical device. Bioimpedance is generally avoided and the rest of the assessment proceeds normally.
- Pregnancy. Several assessments are adjusted.
- Neck problems, recent eye surgery or retinal disease. Positional balance testing and the controlled-exhale maneuver are adapted or omitted.
- Mobility limitations. Parts of the assessment involve standing from lying down; we plan around it rather than being surprised by it.
The preparation instructions you will be given
- No alcohol for 24 hours — it changes heart rate variability measurably.
- Keep to your usual sleep, and avoid unusually heavy exercise the day before.
- Fast overnight if metabolic rate measurement or laboratory work is in the plan. Water is allowed and encouraged.
- No caffeine and no nicotine on the morning of the appointment either way.
- Do not stop any medication unless you are specifically told to. Bring the list instead.
What to bring
Identification and insurance card, the medication and supplement list, any recent laboratory results, your glasses and hearing aids, and the name and address of the clinician who should receive the report. Wear clothing that pushes above the elbow and rolls above the knee, and bring socks you can take off.
Why the preparation is strict
Because a measurement taken under unrecorded conditions cannot be compared with anything. The instructions exist so the number you get today is comparable with the number you get in a year. If you slip up, say so — the answer gets recorded and the result is interpreted accordingly. Full preparation instructions.
Related reading
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD, MBA, MHP, medical director of Measura. Last reviewed .