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Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging test that is used to assess the condition of individual parts of the body, such as the head, spine, abdominal cavity or heart. As part of screening diagnostics, you can perform a whole-body MRI, also known as a Whole Body Scan. What is the test and when is it worth doing?
What is Whole Body Scan?
Whole Body Scan is a non-invasive technique used in diagnostic imaging. It uses magnetic waves and radio waveswhich are safer for the body than x-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging shows pathological changes in internal organs. The test is useful for the analysis of soft tissues, muscles and the skeleton. This method is especially useful when we want to detect abnormalities in areas obscured by bone tissue.
Get to know the facilities that perform full-body MRI – compare offers and sign up for the examination today.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR or MRI) it is more accurate if done locally. If there are no reasons to perform an MRI examination of a specific part of the body, the Whole Body Scan will allow for the overall assessment of the patient’s condition. However, it will not allow for a thorough inspection of individual fragments. For this purpose, targeted resonances are used, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging of the head or spine.
When to do a full body MRI?
Whole-body MRI is a form of imaging diagnostics suspected of neurological, orthopedic or neurosurgical diseases. An indication for an MRI examination there are also oncological considerations. If neoplastic changes are suspected, but it is not possible to clearly define the area at risk, Whole Body Scan will provide an overall picture of the whole body.
Professionals may refer the patient to an MRI when an X-ray or CT scan is insufficient for the diagnostic process. We will also perform a full-body MR examination privately. The average price is PLN 1000-2000.
- Read more about indications for MRI.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body – contraindications
Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the relatively safe methods of imaging diagnosis. Nevertheless, there are some contraindications to this study as well. Belong to them:
- implanted pacemaker;
- metal orthopedic implants;
- some artificial heart valves;
- metal foreign bodies in the body;
- neurostymulatory.
Although they are not a contraindication to the procedure, the quality of the image obtained is negatively affected by metal elements used during operations on the skeletal system, dentures, orthodontic appliances, prostheses and endoprostheses, permanent makeup or tattoos.
It is worth mentioning that, unlike X-ray, which is not recommended during pregnancy, MRI can be performed in pregnant women. Nevertheless, it is usually avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. During breastfeeding, caution should be exercised if a contrast agent is administered for the test – when it is administered, it should be withheld from daily feeding. It is also recommended to stop hormone therapy for several weeks before performing an MRI.
- You’re pregnant? Try a safe gynecological ultrasound.
Preparation for MR examination
We put ourselves on an empty stomach at the Whole Body Scan. Before starting the examination, you should complete the pre-questionnaire, which is an important element of qualification for MRI. If there are no contraindications, the examination can be taken. In case of magnetic resonance imaging with contrast you should also have a blood test to check your creatinine level. The contrast agent has a positive effect on the enhancement of the image obtained during resonance.
We go for the MR examination in comfortable clothes without metal buttons or zippers, as well as bras with metal reinforcements. Makeup is also not recommended. To the room with an MRI scanner We do not bring electronic devices, hearing aids, magnetic stripe cards, watches, metal jewelry or other metal items (including coins, keys, pens, clips).
What does whole body MRI look like?
The MRI device consists of a narrow chamber and a table on which the patient, prepared for the procedure, is placed. If the intravenous administration of contrast is scheduled, the first step is to insert a cannula. Whole-body MRI takes approximately one hour. During this time, it is necessary to rest still on the table. There is a loud cracking noise which can be muted with earplugs.
The patient is informed about the end of the study. You wait a few days for the results – during this time, the description is prepared for the images captured during the resonance.
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