Whole body MRI provides a broad overview of multiple organ systems in one scan, with no radiation exposure. It does not detect all cancers and may identify incidental findings that require further investigation.

Before your Scan

Prior to your examination, you will be asked to complete an MRI Safety Questionnaire. The clinical information you provide assists our doctors in assessing your individual circumstances. MRI safety information is available here.

Because MRI uses large and strong magnets to create images, it is important that jewellery such as watches, chains, earrings and other metallic items such as eye-glasses are removed before the scan. You will also be asked to change into an examination gown for your safety and to make sure your clothing does not affect the images and diagnostic quality of the scan.

Duration

40-60 minutes.

MRI scanners make a loud knocking sound while the images are obtained. To reduce the impact of the noise, you will be offered headphones and earplugs. You will also be offered a buzzer to press if you want to talk to the technologist at any time during the scan.

Risks / Side effects

A WB MRI scan is a very safe test that carries little or no consequential risks or side effects.

The evidence base and benefit for WB MRI is equivocal.  It does not assess for all cancers or abnormalities. There is the risk of a ‘false positive’ (an abnormality is detected which is not pathological) or a ‘false negative (an abnormality is not identified).  Therefore, if there is an area of specific concern, a dedicated imaging examination of that region may be more appropriate.