Total Body Nutrition Assessment (TBNA)

The Most Comprehensive Nutrition Diagnostic Assessment Available at MNT Diagnostics

The Total Body Nutrition Assessment (TBNA) is our gold-standard diagnostic service, designed to give you deep insight into how your body functions and what it truly needs to thrive.

Combining hospital-grade diagnostic scans with expert dietary interpretation, the TBNA is ideal for people managing complex health conditions or those who want to optimise their wellbeing using precise, personalised information. If you’ve ever felt confused about your metabolism, nutrient requirements, or what type of diet works best for your body, this is where to start.

All assessments are non-invasive and conducted by a Specialist Dietitian, with results reviewed and translated into a clear, actionable treatment plan.

What’s Included in the TBNA?

Our TBNAs are a combination of our nutrition diagnostic scans, including our Metabolism Scan, BIS Scan, and DEXA scan, and additional diagnostic testing with a consultation by an accredited specialist dietitian. 

This includes: 

Metabolism Scan

  • Measure the efficiency and speed of your metabolism in real-time

  • Identify whether your body relies more on carbohydrates or fats for energy

  • Understand your exact calorie, protein, carbohydrate and fat requirements

DEXA Body Composition Scan

  • Analyse lean muscle mass, bone density, visceral fat, and overall fat mass

  • Detect subtle changes not visible on standard scans or scales

BI-Spectroscopy (BIS)

  • Assess hydration status, fluid balance, and cellular health

  • Identify inflammation, fluid retention, fluid imbalances, or signs of underhydration

Grip Dynamometry

  • Functional measure of strength and health status

Specialist Dietitian Consultation

  • Review and interpretation of all test results

  • Development of a tailored dietary and nutraceutical prescription

  • Opportunity to ask questions and receive individualised guidance

Personalised Reports and Prescriptions

  • Summary of results and dietary targets based on your body’s unique data

  • Customised nutrition principles and supplement recommendations (if indicated)

Who Is This For?

Our TBNA is ideal for anyone who wants clarity, confidence, and personalised answers about their health. It is especially suited to:

  • People managing chronic or complex conditions
    Including fatigue, inflammation, metabolic issues, invisible illnesses, and nutritional deficiencies.

  • Individuals seeking accurate, personalised nutrition advice
    If you’ve been told conflicting things about your diet, energy needs, or weight, TBNA provides data-driven clarity.

  • Those who want to optimise their health and performance
    Whether you're an athlete, a professional under stress, or someone ready to take control of your health, the TBNA helps you make informed, strategic decisions.

  • People experiencing unexplained symptoms
    Including low energy, digestive issues, fluid retention, difficulty losing/gaining weight, poor recovery, or changes in body composition.

  • Anyone wanting to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches
    This assessment helps you move beyond guesswork and generic plans by revealing exactly what your body needs—and why.

What To Expect

The TBNA is a non-invasive, clinically supervised, and comfortable process that takes approximately 30-60 minutes to conduct the procedure, plus additional consultation time.

Here’s how it works:

1.

For 4 hours before your appointment:
You will avoid food, caffeine, nicotine or exercise (if it is safe for you to fast). You can have normal sips of water leading up to your appointment but please avoid large amounts of fluid.

2.

You will remove your shoes, socks and any significant metal items from your body e.g. belt buckle (we recommend not wearing an underwire bra to improve the accuracy of the scan and for your convenience)

3.

You’ll lay down comfortably while breathing room air into a mask for ~10 minutes to complete your metabolism scan.

4.

Electrodes are placed on your wrists and ankles to assess fluid and cell health.

5.

You’ll complete a DEXA scan, lying still for a few minutes while we capture your body composition.

6.

Your grip strength will be tested briefly using a handheld device.

7.

You’ll meet with a Specialist Dietitian to interpret your results, map out a personalised plan and provide nutraceutical prescription if necessary.

How to Prepare:

  • Fast for at least 4 hours before your appointment (normal sips of water leading up to your appointment is fine)

  • Avoid exercise, caffeine, and nicotine during the same period

  • If fasting is unsafe for you, maintain your normal intake and we will adjust results accordingly

  • You may continue your regular medications (unless instructed to do otherwise by your clinician)

Why Choose MNT Diagnostics?

At MNT Diagnostics, we go beyond standard dietetic services. Our team uses advanced diagnostic technology, combined with deep clinical expertise, to deliver clear, personalised insights that help you make confident decisions about your health.

We’re one of the only clinics in Australia to offer all three advanced assessments—metabolism scan, BI-Spectroscopy, and DEXA—in a single, streamlined appointment that is conducted and interpreted by a specialist dietitian. We have also invested in the best machinery available in the world. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, navigating unexplained symptoms, or simply seeking optimal health, we tailor your plan to your unique physiology and needs. Our approach is data-driven, empowering, and always guided by a commitment to evidence-based care.

 

Book Your TBNA or Speak to Our Team

If you're ready to take a deeper look at your health, book your Total Body Nutrition Assessment with MNT Diagnostics today.

To make a booking or speak with our friendly admin team, call us on 1300 531 940 or contact us online.

We accept Medicare care plans, private health insurance, DVA, NDIS, TAC, and offer Afterpay for both scans and dietetic consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes – you may sip on normal amounts of water. We recommend avoiding large volumes right before your scan to ensure the most accurate results.

  • Yes – you can continue your regular medications unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise.

  • No referral is required. However, you can access partially subsidised pricing for scans with an official referral from a Dietitian. If you see one of our Specialist Dietitians, this is automatically applied.

  • Yes – all scans offered at MNT Diagnostics, including Metabolism scan, BI-Spectroscopy, and DEXA, are recognised as safe. Our DEXA scanner uses an extremely low dose of radiation, making it one of the safest imaging tools available. To put it into perspective:

    • Up to 70x less radiation than a standard chest X-ray

    • Less than what you’d receive on a short domestic flight

    • Roughly equivalent to less than one day of natural background radiation

    We’ve invested in the most advanced DEXA machine in the world, designed to deliver precise results while minimising exposure.

  • If you’re seeking help for a medical condition, we recommend booking an initial consultation with one of our Specialist Dietitians. This allows them to assess your case, order relevant blood work, and tailor a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan.

    Some conditions, like EDS, MCAS, or POTS, require a more specialised workup and preparation before your TBNA, so an initial consultation is especially important in these cases. We also recommend that all paediatric patients see the paediatric specialist dietitian before undergoing a TBNA.

  • DEXA scans cannot measure fluid levels – a key limitation when trying to interpret changes in weight or composition. That’s why we pair DEXA with BI-Spectroscopy (BIS) to assess your fluid status.

    This combined approach allows us to distinguish between fat, muscle, bone, and fluid shifts (e.g. dehydration or retention), providing a more complete and accurate picture.

  • Absolutely. We encourage you to bring any recent blood test results to your TBNA appointment. A digital copy is highly preferred, but printed results are also welcome. This helps your nutrition diagnostics specialist incorporate all relevant information into your assessment. You may send your blood work results to info@mntdiagnostics.com.au prior to your appointment.

  • IYes – all of our Specialist Dietitians are trained by Principal Dietitian Joshua Morgan APD and are skilled in nutrition diagnostics.

    For complex or specific concerns, we recommend choosing a specialist Dietitian whose expertise best matches your needs. If you’re unsure, our team can guide you.

  • While the radiation from our DEXA scan is extremely low, we do not perform DEXA scans during pregnancy.

    However, the Metabolism Scan is completely safe during pregnancy and is often recommended to assess energy needs, which increase during this time.

  • Not at all. The DEXA scan is performed while you lie flat on a padded table in an open room. There are no enclosed spaces, loud noises, or restrictive equipment.

    For the Metabolism Scan, you’ll wear a mask which can be removed by you at any time. Your specialist will be with you throughout to ensure you're relaxed and supported.

    • The Metabolism Scan and BIS scan are radiation-free.

    • The DEXA scan uses a very low dose of radiation to capture highly detailed body composition images.

    Our DEXA machine emits far less radiation than traditional models and is among the safest available globally. For perspective:

    • Up to 70x lower than a chest X-ray

    • Less than a short domestic flight

    • Less than a day of natural background radiation

    We’ve gone further by selecting a scanner that uses multi-detector array technology, ensuring precision while keeping exposure minimal.