PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUR HEALTH – WHOLE BODY IMAGING

WHAT IS WHOLE BODY IMAGING?  

Whole body imaging is a non-invasive, multi-dimensional screening assessment of the body using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). State-of-the-art whole body imaging may lead to early diagnosis of conditions, allowing you to achieve peace of mind and better manage your health. You can also monitor changes over time and assess any health risks related to family history.  

WHAT DOES WHOLE BODY IMAGING LOOK AT? 

Whole body imaging can screen for a wide array of conditions including early detection of many cancers, multiple sclerosis, brain aneurysms, narrowing of the arteries, ischemic injury, vascular malformations, various metabolic disorders, disc herniations, and spinal degeneration.  

Whole body imaging 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. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM? 

 As part of this exam, Mayfair Diagnostics will perform a neck-to-knee MRI scan at our Mayfair Place location. You will also be asked to wear comfortable clothes free of metal zippers or buttons, including metal-free underwear. It generally takes approximately one hour to complete.   

Once in the exam room 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.  

As some patients can find an MRI to be loud, you will be offered headphones or ear plugs to reduce the noise. Eye masks are also available upon request for patients who have difficulty relaxing in a confined space. You will be given an emergency call bell to stop the exam, if needed. Once you are relaxed and comfortable, a sensor will be positioned around your torso. 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 always be close by. 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.    

ARE THESE EXAMS SAFE?   

MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Images are created using a magnetic field which can attract metal objects or may cause metal in your body to move. Therefore, before an MRI can be performed patients will need to be screened to exclude internal metal objects or hardware that are not safe in the MRI. Once complete, a technologist will review the information and address any concerns.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY EXAM? 

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 along with 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 DO I BOOK A WHOLE BODY IMAGING EXAM?  

A WBI must be requested by a health care practitioner. If, after discussion with your doctor, a private WBI is indicated as a best next course of action, your doctor will provide you with a requisition and preparation instructions for your exam. You will then be able to book the appointment with Mayfair.    

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