Fig. 1
Interpretation of the BIVA nomogram. Reference values are plotted as so-called tolerance ellipses in the coordinate system with the 50th (∙∙∙∙), 75th (−---) and 95th (──) vector percentile of the healthy reference population. Values outside of the 95th percentile are considered abnormal. The position and length of the vector provides information about disease status and cell membrane function. The length of the vector is related to high or low R values, i.e. dehydration (quadrant 1) and overhydration (quadrant 3), respectively. A migration sideways of the vector due to high or low XC indicates increase (quadrant 2) or decrease (quadrant 4) of dielectric mass (membranes and tissue interfaces) of soft tissues. The same interpretation applies when BIVA plots are prepared based on Z scores. The division into quadrants is meant as an indication only, not as sharp distinctions