Whole Body Imaging

This non-invasive, multi-dimensional screening view of the body using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to evaluate possible conditions before they become a concern, allowing you to better manage your health. State-of-the-art whole body imaging may lead to early diagnosis, allowing you to achieve peace of mind and better manage your health.

Whole body imaging (WBI) takes approximately one hour and evaluates:

• The brain, including its major blood vessels.
• The spine and spinal cord.
• The major organs of the body, including the salivary and thyroid glands, lymphatic system, liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate and testes.
• The lungs and bowel are not optimally assessed with MRI but supplemental low-dose CT of the lungs and colon can be obtained as an add-on.
• Dedicated evaluation of the major joints of the body is also available as an add-on.

Whole body imaging may help detect various forms of cancer, multiple sclerosis, brain aneurysms, narrowing of the arteries, ischemic injury, masses, vascular malformations, metabolic disorders, disc herniations, and spinal degeneration.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

• Please let us know if you are, or may be, pregnant, or if you’ve had recent surgery.
• Please also inform us if you have metal in your body. Here is a list of metal objects that may be a concern. Your technologist may ask you to remove any metallic objects, which are unsafe near the MRI magnet.
• Wear comfortable clothes free of metal zippers or buttons, including metal-free underwear.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
• Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Children may have parents in the exam room with them.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

• You may be asked to change into a gown or scrubs.
• Your technologist will position you on the cushioned scanner table in the MRI suite. We will do our best to make you comfortable.
• An MRI can be loud, so you will be provided with headphones or ear plugs to reduce the noise. Eye masks are available upon request for patients who have difficulty relaxing in a confined space. You are also given an emergency call bell to stop the exam, if needed.
• Once you are relaxed and comfortable, a sensor will be positioned around the body part being scanned. The table will then move slowly into the MRI scanner, which is well lit and ventilated.
• You will be asked to hold very still, as movement may result in blurring of images. Your technologist will be close by at all times.
• You may be asked to hold your breath for some of the images. Breath holds can last between 5-25 seconds.
• Once we have successfully captured your images, you are free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

Once your images have been gathered, they will be reviewed by a Mayfair radiologist who will generate a report that will be sent to your referring doctor within five business days. Your doctor will review your images and the report from the radiologist and discuss any next steps with you. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

PLEASE NOTE: Whole body imaging supplements but is not intended to replace other established evidence-based screening practices for the early detection of specific malignancies (e.g., breast imaging, colonoscopy, Pap-smear screening for cervical cancer, low-dose chest CT). As with any medical exam or test, whole body imaging is not guaranteed to detect all malignancies and diseases.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is only available in Alberta. WBI exams are provided at our Mayfair Place location as private pay exams for $3,600, and are not covered by Alberta Health Care. Lung CT and/or joint MRI add-ons are an additional fee.

We also offer a 10% Seniors discount (65+) that can be applied to the first MRI exam.

Your health spending account or group medical insurance plan may cover the cost of a private MRI that is prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner. You will need to check with your plan administrator for coverage details.