About BIA
WHAT IS BIA?
Science that Measures What Matters
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a scientifically validated, non-invasive method that measures body composition by sending a low-level electrical current through the body; quick, painless, and requiring no needles or bloodwork. Unlike traditional methods that only estimate weight or BMI, BIA reveals the full picture: fat mass, lean body mass, body water, and more, with the precision to track meaningful changes over time. Since 1981, when RJL Systems built the first commercial BIA device, we've spent decades refining this technology to deliver the most precise, reliable, and repeatable data available; providing insight critical to healthcare analysis, wellness programs, and clinical research.
WHO IS BIA MADE FOR?
Precision for Professionals
Healthcare providers, researchers, and performance specialists need tools they can trust. RJL Systems offers FDA-cleared, medically validated BIA systems designed with high precision and repeatability across diverse populations. Our advanced segmental and whole-body analysis supports a wide range of clinical applications—from nephrology and oncology to geriatrics and rehabilitation. With personalized software and exportable data, RJL devices seamlessly integrate into clinical workflows and research protocols alike.
HOW CAN BIA IMPROVE OUTCOMES?
Real Time Data. Real World Results.
Speed and accuracy are everything when making clinical decisions or optimizing performance. RJL Systems BIA devices provide immediate results that support everything from chronic disease management to weight loss, athletic performance, and personalized wellness. In just seconds, you can monitor hydration, muscle mass, and metabolic shifts—giving patients and professionals clear benchmarks for progress and outcome. That means smarter care, stronger engagement, and better results at every level.
HOW CAN BIA HELP TRACK PROGRESS OVER TIME?
Scalable BIA for Evolving Needs
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis isn’t just a one-time tool—it’s a long-term asset. Whether you’re expanding a private practice, building a wellness program, or leading a clinical research study, BIA offers the flexibility to grow alongside your goals. RJL Systems devices are designed with portability, durability, and software integration in mind, making them ideal for both evolving medical environments and high-volume routines. With decades of field-proven performance and ongoing innovation, BIA continues to unlock new possibilities in personalized care, performance tracking, and data-driven decision making.
HOW BIA FITS INTO YOUR WORK?
Seamless Integration. Consistent Results.
One of BIA’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to easily integrate into daily routines—whether in a clinic, lab, or performance center. RJL Systems devices and software are designed to deliver fast, repeatable measurements that reduce variability and improve consistency across patient visits, study protocols, or client sessions. With digital data capture, exportable reports, and software compatibility, BIA becomes a natural extension of care or research—not an interruption. This consistency enables longitudinal tracking, a more reliable outcome, and sharper insight into how interventions are truly working over time.
History of Bia
The first application of BIA occurred on Mount McKinley, Alaska in 1981. Dr. William Mills MD, an Admiral in the US Navy, initiated a study to assess the hydration status of soldiers in high altitude, cold weather environments. There was one reference paper by Hoffer[1] in 1969 that indicated a hand to foot whole body BIA measurement could predict total body water. With the encouragement of Jan Nyboer MD, Dsc the Mount McKinley soldier hydration project was started.
Four BIA instruments were ordered by the US Navy from RJL Systems that had to be designed and built to handle the cold weather on top of Mount McKinley. The instruments were applied to soldiers along with analyzing samples of blood and urine at approximately 10,000 feet. Electrode placement was the same as is used today. The dollar amount of the Navy contract was enough to put months of research and development into designing an accurate, dependable, and safe instrument that could be used on humans.
The results of BIA measurements compared to blood and urine analysis were very encouraging. This inspired RJL Systems to build additional instruments for scientific research. Shortly thereafter, Hank Lukaski[2] at the USDA in Grand Forks, ND was one of the first to publish a paper on BIA and body composition. Today there are thousands of papers and abstracts on BIA to predict body composition.
1. Hoffer, E.C., Meador, C.K. and Simpson, D.C.: Correlation of whole body impedance with total body water volume. J. Appl. Physiol., 27: 531, 1969.
2. Lukaski, H.C., Johnson, P.E., Bolonchuk, W.W., Lykken, G.I.: Assessment of fat free mass using bio-electrical impedance measurements of the human body. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 41: 810-817, 1985.
The Future of BIA
BIA science is evolving from a statistical machine for assessing body composition to a diagnostic tool that may someday be used to illustrate the progress of disease and health. It took 50 years for electrocardiography to be where it is today from when first developed by Willem Einthoven in 1901. BIA will likely follow the same path.
