The Purpose of Whole-Body MRI Screening
Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a radiation-free and noninvasive imaging study that gives an overview of your brain, major organs, muscles, bones, and soft tissues. Using magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals rather than ionizing radiation, it is designed for screening in otherwise healthy individuals.
Whole Body MRI screening empowers you with knowledge, delivering peace of mind through early insight, precision imaging, and a comprehensive view of your health, all in one appointment.
Key Benefits: Whole Body Scans
Identify potential concerns before symptoms appear
A safe screening option without cumulative radiation risk
Detailed imaging of the brain, spine, and major organs in one session
What Whole-Body MRI Can Do
- Capture high-resolution images of the brain, spine, major organs, and
musculoskeletal systems to help identify potential concerns before symptoms
appear. - Detect many structural abnormalities throughout the body, including masses,
cysts, enlarged organs, and some early tumors. - Identify certain musculoskeletal issues such as large bone lesions or soft tissue
masses. - Provide a radiation-free screening option for individuals seeking a broad
overview of their health. - Give MRI images of areas such as the brain and brain arteries, spine, and major
organs.
What Whole-Body MRI Cannot Do
- Diagnose every form of cancer or guarantee early cancer detection. Whole body
MRI is not a dedicated cancer screening tool. - Detect or diagnose microscopic disease, very small lesions, or conditions not
well visualized by MRI. - Replace targeted diagnostic imaging when a patient already has symptoms or a
known medical condition. - Replace dedicated diagnostic screening of the colon, prostate or breast (for
example this does not replace exams like colonoscopy or Mammograms) - Provide a complete evaluation for patients with complex medical histories or genetic disorders.
- Evaluate issues requiring functional imaging (for example, heart function or lung disease)
- See or evaluate lung nodules or assess lung function. Assessment of lung nodules can be performed with CT at CAMIS for an additional fee. Assessment of colonic polyps with CT can be done through Alberta Health Services
Is MRI Whole Body Screening the Right Test For Me?
Appropriate Candidates
- Whole Body MRI Screening exams are for individuals who want a proactive
general overview of their health. - For adults without symptoms and without significant underlying disease.
- Individuals with standard health concerns but no known high-risk genetic
conditions. - Individuals who understand that this is screening study and that further imaging may be required.
- For individuals who want peace of mind with a baseline picture of their health.
When MRI Whole body Screening is Not the Appropriate Test
Whole body MRI is for screening purposes only. It does not replace dedicated diagnostic imaging, and may not be appropriate in the following situations:
- Those with known medical conditions requiring targeted evaluation, such as:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
- Known malignancies
- Genetic cancer syndromes/genetic disease
- Autoimmune conditions needing specific imaging
- Known disorders requiring specialized imaging
- Individuals with active symptoms such as neurologic changes, abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in stool or urine, chest pain, etc.
- Pregnant patients.
- Patients with MRI-incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia.
Preparing For Your Appointment
Before your scan
- A full safety screening will be conducted before your exam.
- Remove metal objects, jewelry, watches, and all clothing.
- Tell us if you have implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or metal in your body.
- Let us know if you have a history of claustrophobia.
- You will be asked to change into a gown we provide.
What to expect during the scan
- You will lie flat and remain still for the entirety of the exam from start to finish.
- The exam typically lasts 60-80 minutes.
- You will hear loud tapping and humming sounds; ear protection will be provided.
After the scan
- A radiologist reviews your images.
- Results go to you and/or your doctor.
- Follow-up studies may be recommended if something needs closer evaluation.
Disclaimer
Whole-body MRI is a screening tool intended for people without symptoms or known disease. It does not replace regular medical care, age-appropriate screening
tests, or diagnostic imaging ordered by your clinician. Any abnormality found may require follow-up imaging or specialist evaluation. A normal exam does not guarantee
the absence of disease. This exam is for screening only. Please contact your clinician if you are experiencing symptoms or have ongoing medical concerns.
Whole Body MRI typically covers from head to upper thigh but does not include the extremities. Dedicated joint imaging can be added to Whole Body Screening MRI for an additional fee.
