Get Started

HLI Whole Body MRI FAQs

Whole-body MRI provides comprehensive imaging of organs, tissues, and blood vessels without radiation or contrast agents. It helps detect early signs of diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders, allowing for preventive care and early intervention. This type of scan can identify abnormalities that might not present symptoms yet, aiding in the early detection of conditions like pancreatic cancer or liver disease. It’s a non-invasive, safe way to monitor overall health and track changes over time.

Yes, whole-body MRI is safe. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images without ionizing radiation, unlike CT or PET scans. This makes it a safer option for repeated scans, as there’s no risk of radiation exposure or DNA damage. Additionally, whole-body MRI does not require contrast agents, further reducing risks, especially for individuals with kidney problems. The procedure is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated, making it a safe and effective way to detect early signs of disease and monitor overall health.

A 3T MRI is an advanced imaging technology that uses a 3-Tesla magnet, providing a magnetic field twice as strong as standard MRI machines (1.5 Tesla). This increased power delivers sharper, high-resolution images, enabling the detection of subtle changes in organs, tissues, and even small structures like blood vessels. The improved signal-to-noise ratio ensures clearer and more detailed scans with less distortion, allowing for confident, data-driven health insights. Additionally, 3T MRI scans are faster, capturing more information in less time, which enhances both comfort and efficiency. Ideal for advanced diagnostics like NeuroQuant brain analysis or early cancer detection, 3T MRI offers unparalleled precision for preventative care and better health outcomes.

A whole-body MRI typically takes 60 minutes.

You will be given MRI-safe loungewear to change into while you’re in your private client room.

Changing into MRI-safe clothing ensures that nothing metallic is brought into the scanning area, helping to prevent accidents and ensuring accurate results.

No, there is no radiation exposure with a whole-body MRI. Unlike CT or PET scans, which use ionizing radiation, MRI relies on strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images. This makes MRI a safer option for repeated scans, as it does not carry the risk of radiation-related health concerns, such as DNA damage or increased cancer risk. It’s a non-invasive, radiation-free method for imaging organs and tissues, making it an ideal choice for ongoing monitoring and preventive care.

For a whole-body MRI, minimal preparation is needed. You’ll change into MRI-safe uniform to avoid any metal objects like jewelry or clothing with zippers, as metal can interfere with the magnetic field. You can drink water, tea, or black coffee, but we recommend limiting your liquid intake, as you won’t be able to use the bathroom during your scan.
 
We recommend not eating 4 hours prior to your scan to ensure we get clear images of your digestive organs.
 
Please inform us if you have any medical implants, like pacemakers or metal joint replacements, as these can affect the MRI. Personal items such as jewelry, glasses, and watches should be removed. If you’re claustrophobic, let your doctor know, as a sedative may be recommended to help you relax during the scan.

Please inform your clinician if you’re claustrophobic; if clinically indicated, you may be prescribed an anti-anxiety medication for the duration of your scan.

Generally, no. At this time, whole-body MRI is still emerging in clinical practice, and public facilities aren’t offering it for general screening. It may take years for healthcare plans to cover these preventive scans. 

A whole-body MRI can help detect a wide range of conditions, including early-stage cancers (such as prostate, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancers) and abnormalities in organs and tissues. It can also identify metabolic disorders like fatty liver disease to evaluate the risk of diabetes and obesity. Additionally, it helps detect neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and other structural abnormalities, making it a valuable tool for preventive screening and early detection of asymptomatic conditions.

Results will be available 4 business days after your scan is completed.

Your MRI images will be interpreted by board-certified radiologists. All of your imaging data will be reviewed by a nurse practitioner in an appointment scheduled at your convenience. 

MRI is generally a very safe procedure with few risks or side effects. Unlike CT or X-rays, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, so there’s no risk of radiation exposure. However, some individuals may experience discomfort from the heat and noise generated by the scan, or anxiety from being in the enclosed space of the MRI machine, especially if they’re claustrophobic. 

It depends on the type and material of the implant. Some metal implants, cochlear implants, or older joint replacements, may not be MRI-safe due to the strong magnetic field. However, many modern implants are made of MRI-compatible materials. It’s crucial to inform your doctor and the MRI technician about any implants or devices you have so they can determine if it’s safe or adjust the MRI settings accordingly. Pacemakers are currently a contraindication for a whole body MRI scan.

A personalized plan will be developed and discussed during your follow-up consultation with the nurse practitioner. 

More questions?

Contact us
Email: clientservices@humanlongevity.com
Phone: +1 844-838-3322
We look forward to assisting you.

Live 100+ years,
achieve 100% of your potential.

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube
Quick Links
Get In Touch

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.