A Whole Body MRI screening study will scan your body from your head to just below your knees. This scan takes 40-60 minutes to complete. The machine will produce hundreds of images and these will be analyzed by a subspecialized radiologist. A comprehensive report will then be provided for review.
How do you book an appointment?
Patients are able to book an appointment for a Whole Body MRI scan at wholebodymri.ca. Full body MRI scans are not covered by OHIP and patients will have to pay out of pocket to have the scan done.
Preparation
There is no contrast used during the Whole Body MRI scans so prep for the scan is fairly simple. Patients should arrive 15-20 minutes early to their appointment and wear simple clothing. Patients will change into gowns upon arrival, however, undergarments may be worn as long as there are no buttons or metals attached. Females should wear sports bras to ensure there are no metal wires or clips going into the scanner. This includes the removal of jewelry and dentures for the scan. Patients must fill out forms for background information pertaining to past surgeries and implants. Patients with pacemakers, cochlear implants and insulin implants cannot participate in the full body scan. If a patient is claustrophobic, they are able to take their prescribed anxiety medication once on site. However, if medication is taken, they will need assistance in driving home as they cannot drive themselves.
While getting the scan
During the scan, patients will participate in breathing exercises to assist in getting the best images possible. Patients will also have the option of listening to music during their scan to make the 40-60 minutes in the machine as relaxing as possible.
Post scan
The radiologist report will take approximately 10 business days to be completed. Once completed, it will be forwarded to the referring physician for review and will also be provided to the patient if requested. The patient will have the option to schedule a 15 minute tele-consultation with a radiologist to review their report.
Bottom Line
Whole Body MRI want their patients to be as comfortable as possible during their 40-60 minute scan. Consider a Whole Body MRI screening scan and/or ask your doctor if this screening study would be appropriate for you. Remember, preventative health care is the future of medicine.
