Full Body MRI

A comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging scan covering the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis in a single session. The scan produces detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, organs, and vascular structures without ionising radiation, making it suitable for repeat screening. Results are interpreted by a radiologist and reviewed in a follow-up consultation.

The full-body MRI at DNA Health & Wellness captures high-resolution images of every major body region in a single scanning session. The protocol covers the brain and intracranial vessels, cervical through lumbar spine, thoracic organs including the heart and lungs, the entire abdominal cavity with liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and adrenal glands, and the pelvic structures. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to generate contrast between different tissue types. Because it relies on magnetism rather than X-rays, the scan delivers zero ionising radiation, making it appropriate for serial screening without cumulative dose concerns. This is a key advantage over CT-based full-body scans, which expose the patient to a radiation dose equivalent to several hundred chest X-rays. The imaging sequences used in a full-body protocol typically include T1-weighted images for anatomical detail, T2-weighted images for detecting fluid and oedema, STIR or fat-suppressed sequences for highlighting pathology against fatty tissue, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) which can detect areas of restricted water movement suggestive of dense cellular activity. Together, these sequences can identify soft tissue masses, organ abnormalities, vascular anomalies, disc herniations, joint pathology, and early inflammatory changes. The scan itself takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes of active imaging time, with the total appointment — including patient preparation, positioning, and a brief quality check by the technologist — running about an hour. Patients lie on a padded table that moves through the scanner bore. Earplugs or headphones are provided to manage the noise, and staff maintain communication throughout. A board-certified radiologist reviews all images and produces a detailed written report. Significant findings are flagged for immediate discussion, while the full report is typically available within a few business days. For patients who have booked a health screening package on the same visit, the MRI findings are integrated into the overall assessment.