Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the MET Lab testing facility located?

The address of our lab is 950 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20052. We are located in the Milken Institute School of Public Health Building. The building is one block from the Foggy Bottom metro station and faces Washington Circle. The exercise lab is in the basement of the Milken Institute School of Public Health Building. Please enter the first floor lobby and sign in with security at the front desk or show GW ID. Please remain in the lobby, a member of our staff will meet and escort you to the labs.

What should I wear?

Some assessments have certain clothing restrictions. See the specific test for details. For your convenience we have a changing room.

DXA: Any thin, comfortable clothing without any metal zippers, snaps, or buttons is acceptable. For females, we recommend wearing any type of bra without underwire, such as a sports bra.

Am I allowed to exercise on the day of, or prior to testing?

In general, we recommend that you abstain from vigorous exercise for 12-24 hours prior to testing.

How long must I wait after eating or drinking before testing?

If doing an RMR test, we recommend doing the test in the morning off an overnight fast (water is fine). Also avoid caffeine on the day of any body composition assessment or RMR assessment.

What is the difference between total fat mass, total fat-free mass, and percent body fat?

Fat mass is the absolute amount of body fat, measured in pounds or kilograms. Fat-free mass or lean mass is any tissue or part of the body that does not contain fat, such as skeletal muscle, bones, and water. Body fat percentage is a ratio of total weight of fat to the total weight of the body.

Do you offer any packages or discounts for multiple assessments?

Yes, if you wish to purchase multiple assessments at once you will receive a 20% discount for every test purchased after the first. We also offer packages for multiple DXA scans. You must pay up front and you will receive a voucher for any test you wish to do at a later date, valid up to one year. This option is great if you are beginning a diet or fitness routine and would like to compare "before" and "after" information.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover (no American Express). We do not accept insurance, but you may contact your provider directly to ask if they may reimburse you for some services.

Is there parking available?

There are several commercial parking garages located near the building as well as limited metered street parking. For more information regarding GW garage fees, please visit http://parking.gwu.edu/rates/rates-visitor.cfm. Refer to the Foggy Bottom parking options.