title: Inter-Changeability of Impedance Devices for Lymphedema Assessment.
abstract: Impedance technology is a popular technique for the early detection of lymphedema. The preferred approach is to use bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), with measurements being made with the subject lying supine, although attempts have been made to use single or multiple frequency impedance measurements obtained while the subject is standing. The aim of the present study was to determine the equivalence of these different approaches. Impedance measurements of the individual limbs of 37 healthy individuals were determined using both a stand-on, multi-frequency impedance device and a supine impedance spectroscopy instrument. Significant differences were found between the instruments in both absolute impedance values and, importantly, inter-limb impedance ratios. Since impedance ratios in healthy individuals provide the reference standard for detection of lymphedema, these data indicate that the methods are not interchangeable. Consideration of the errors associated with each method indicates that the BIS remains the preferred method for lymphedema detection.
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphoedema Research Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Flinders University , South Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Malou
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Zanten
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphoedema Research Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Flinders University , South Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Piller
authors.affiliation: 2 School Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Queensland, Australia .
authors.forename: Leigh C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D058266:Dielectric Spectroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005121:Extremities / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged