Every time I call, I end up at someone's voicemail. I never seem to be able to reach a live person!
Our dedicated staff WANTS to speak with you. However, like all businesses, there are peak times when call volume is very high. RJL employees work very hard to make sure everyone that calls us, gets the service and support they are entitled to. If you do get transferred to our Voice Mail system, PLEASE do not hang up - if you leave a message, our staff WILL call you back and provide the assistance you need.
About RJL Systems' Analyzers
How will I know if my RJL analyzer is operating correctly (calibrated)?
A 500-ohm resistor is included with all the RJL analyzers. This resistor allows you to check the calibration of the analyzer. For an explanation on how to test the calibration of your unit, please refer to the manual.
Is there any chance of electrical shock while operating the RJL analyzers?
No, all of the RJL analyzers are designed with isolation transformers that prevent any harmful current from being exposed to the subject while being tested.
Will climate affect the BIA test?
Yes, but only when climate changes are extreme.
Is the RJL equipment FDA approved?
The Food and Drug Administration regulates all BIA devices as class II medical devices. Manufacturers must receive clearance from the FDA to market a class-II device. Please visit the FDA website for more information on RJL registration and clearances. ( FDA Website -- search for RJL Systems under Applicant Name or Owner Name.)
What is the life expectancy of an RJL analyzer?
It is many years, so long as you take care of your analyzer. RJL still has many of their customers (from as far back as 1980) using their originally purchased analyzers. However, with any type of equipment, the age of the instrument may affect reliability. As a result of continual use, parts may wear out and need replacement.
Are the RJL analyzers very difficult to operate?
No, anyone can operate the RJL analyzers. It is helpful, however, to read the supplied manual first.
About the Quantum-II and Quantum-X
How do I know when the Quantum-II or Quantum-X needs a new battery?
A line of decimal points will appear at the bottom of the LCD screen.
What is the difference between the Quantum II analyzer and the Quantum X ?
The difference between the two units is the resolution. The Quantum II has a resolution to 1.0 Ohms and the Quantum X has a resolution to 0.1 Ohms., or ten times that of the Quantum II. Both the Quantum II and the Quantum X are hand held analyzers that weighs 11 oz., and run on a 9-volt battery (ONLY). Neither system stores data nor do they have serial communication capability. All RJL BIA instruments test with equally accurate resistance and reactance results, and all RJL BIA results can be entered into the our current software for body composition analysis.
About RJL Systems' Software
Questions about BC
What are the minimum system requirements to run the BC software?
800 x 600 x 256 color screen setting
30 MB of disk space minimum
32 MB Memory (recommended 64 MB Memory)
133 MHz Pentium Processor or equivalent (recommended 300 MHz Pentium-II Processor or equivalent)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater (Recommended Microsoft I.E. 5.5 or greater)
Windows 95 / 98 / ME / 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista
The installer is asking me which analyzer I have. I have an older unit that isn't on the list. Can I not use BC?
Some of our newer analyzers have advanced features that require additional software and/or special settings to be able to take advantage of them. This is why the installer is asking you what model analyzer you have. If you have an older analyzer that is not in the list, select the "Quantum-II".
What programming language is BC written in?
It is written in the Perl language. If you have a copy of Perl install ed on your computer, BC may have issues. Please contact us for more information.
Can I run BC from a server across the network?
You can, but it is not recommended. Because of the way the program executable is built, you will see MASSIVE amounts of network traffic while the program is running. As a result, not only will your network be impacted, but your users will experience slow performance out of BC. We recommend that BC be installed on each local workstation from which it will be used.
Can I configure BC to access databases from a centralized file server?
Yes. When you install BC, you will be presented with the choice of doing a "Standard" installation or an "Advanced" one. Choose "Advanced." You will be given opportunities to specify locations for storing settings and databases.
Questions about the Datalogger
What is the Datalogger?
The Datalogger is a program that allows the Quantum Desktop to be used to record and display real-time changes in resistance and reactance.
I don't have a Quantum Desktop. Can I still use the Datalogger?
No. The Datalogger may only be used with the Quantum Desktop
I purchased a Quantum Desktop, but I don't see a CD for the Datalogger. Where is it?
The Datalogger is on the same CD as the body composition analysis software. The setup program should start when the CD is inserted into your drive. It will ask which analyzer you have. If you select the Quantum Desktop, you will have the opportunity to install the Datalogger.
Can I use the Datalogger to calculate real-time changes in body composition or to diagnose a condition?
The Datalogger does one thing, only: Record changes in resistance and reactance in real-time. Once the data has been collected and saved, you can use any spreadsheet or other application to read and process the data however you wish.
About performing a BIA test
Should the test subject lie down to be tested?
All research has been performed with the subject lying flat with legs apart and arms not touching the body, therefore it is recommended that the test subject lie down to be tested.
What side of the body is used for BIA testing?
The right side of the body is commonly used for BIA testing. However, the left side of the body may be used if necessary. It is important to be consistent and use the same side on a test subject for repeatability.
Can you feel the test while it is being performed?
No, the current passed through the body is so small that it is unlikely it will be felt at all!
How long does it take to perform a BIA test on a subject?
Typically, the test will take approximately five minutes.
What electrodes can be used for testing?
RJL Systems, Inc. (RJL) suggests that the tests be performed using the adhesive electrodes supplied by them. RJL cannot guarantee accurate test results acquired by using other electrodes.
Do I have to use new electrodes for every test subject?
Yes, for accuracy, and above all, for sanitary reasons, new electrodes should be used for each test performed.
Can the age of electrodes affect results?
Yes, RJL electrodes have a shelf life of 14 to 16 months. Expired electrodes will produce inaccurate results. As well, if electrodes are not kept in a sealed bag or container, they can dry out and also produce inaccurate results.
Is there anything particular that the test subject should do prior to being tested with the RJL Analyzer?
The test subject's body should be dry; no fever should be present, and should not be chilled or cold. Please review "Subject Protocol" on the "Electrode Placement" card.
Could very dry or very oily skin affect the BIA readings?
Yes. Good contact between the skin and electrodes must be made for accurate results. If a person's skin is oily, wipe the area with an alcohol swab before positioning the electrodes. If the skin is very dry, use an electrode gel.
Do women have to remove their nylons before testing?
Yes, the adhesive electrodes must make direct contact with the skin for an accurate measurement.
Will jewelry affect the BIA test?
No, there will be no affect on the BIA test provided the jewelry does not interfere with electrode placement. However we recommend that all jewelry be removed.
Do pins in a subject's arms or legs affect the BIA readings?
No, pins in a subject's arms or legs will not affect the BIA readings.
Can people with pacemakers be tested with the RJL analyzers?
No, people with implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators should NOT be tested due to the possibility of interference of the BIA signal with the defibrillator.
Will medication affect the reliability of the BIA test?
Changes in the results may come from medications, disease and nutritional status. BIA results quantitatively illustrate all of these factors and conditions. That's what BIA is all about!
Can obese or emaciated test subjects be tested with the RJL analyzers?
Yes, and serial testing will reflect changes in a person's body composition.
Can pregnant women be tested with the RJL analyzers?
No.
At what age can children be tested?
Equations were developed on children beginning at age 8. However, people of any age may be tested for resistance and reactance results.
Are medical professionals the only people that should perform the BIA test?
No, anyone that has been properly trained can perform the test. Once trained, a technician should be able to retest a patient (changing electrodes) to within a 1% difference in the resistance reading.
What is the average amount charged for a BIA test?
$15.00 charge at a health fair and $25.00 to as high as $150.00 for a test done in other environments. The price will depend on the location and the degree of professional consultation.
How often should the test be performed?
This would depend on your facility and your client. The average professional generally tests every four to six weeks.
How could the RJL analyzer be useful in my everyday practice?
Examples would be a post delivery weight reduction program in an OBGYN setting or lifestyle change in a wellness setting.
Are there any CPT codes I can use to get insurance reimbursement for doing a BIA test?
At this time, there are no CPT codes specific to BIA. That being said, we have gotten reports from some of our customers of codes that they had been able to get reimbursement under. We have prepared a list of these codes - Click to View
About the validity of BIA
Is it possible to have too little body fat?
Yes, your body needs some fat for energy storage and normal metabolic functions.
Does RJL have software specific to nationality?
No, because race, gender and disease do not affect the repeatability of the results.
How and why does dehydration affect the BIA test?
Changes in hydration are proportional to changes of extracellular water and, therefore, affect the absolute volume of fat free mass and fat. However, weight is also changing proportionally; when fat or fat free mass is expressed as a percent of weight, the results should be consistent.
Is it possible for a person to drink too much water prior to being tested?
No, it is nearly impossible for a healthy individual to become over hydrated. Drinking a lot of water immediately before being tested will not affect the accuracy of the test, as all the water will be in the trunk area only and not dispersed throughout the body. It will take a dehydrated person's muscles at least several hours to absorb the water.
Have the RJL analyzers been tested on any animals?
About RJL Systems