Background Information:

What are the other Names for the Procedure?

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Body
• WB-MRI (Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan
• Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) Scan

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure? (General Explanation)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field to produce images of soft tissues, bones, organs, and all other internal body structures. There is minimal use of radiation to take the images
• A Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Body Scan is a procedure to examine and evaluate various body organs, such as the intestines, liver, kidney, heart, breasts, reproductive organs, etc.
• It is also known as a Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) Scan

What part of the Body does the Procedure involve?

An MRI Body Scan is performed on the soft tissues, bones, organs, and all other internal body structures.

Why is the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure Performed?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Body Scan is performed for the following reasons:

• An MRI Scan of the Body is used to evaluate various organs, such as the liver, biliary tract, kidney, spleen, heart, bowel, breasts, reproductive organs, and pancreas
• It is also utilized to diagnose heart problems, liver disease, tumors of the chest, pelvis, reproductive organs, kidneys, abdomen, and vascular diseases, such as blockages or enlargement of blood vessels
• Fetal assessment in pregnant women can also be performed using an MRI scan
• In order to detect diseases of the digestive system, including of the anus, rectum, colon, and small intestine
• The scan can also be used to find causes of adenomyosis, fibroids, endometriosis, and other uterine abnormalities

What is the Equipment used? (Description of Equipment)

The equipment used for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body is the following:

• An MRI is a large cylinder-shaped tube that is surrounded by a circular magnet
• The patient lies on the table that slides back and forth in the cylinder tube
• In some MRI equipment, called short-bore systems, the magnet does not completely surround the patient. This is particularly helpful for patients who are obese, or those fearful of being in a closed tube. This is called an open MRI

What are the Recent Advances in the Procedure?

There have been no recent advances to replace the MRI scan procedure. 

What is the Cost of performing the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

The cost of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of your health insurance, annual deductibles, co-pay requirements, out-of-network and in-network of your healthcare providers and healthcare facilities. 

In many cases, an estimate may be provided before the procedure. The final amount depends upon the findings during the surgery/procedure and post-operative care that is necessary. 

When do you need a Second Opinion, prior to the Procedure?

• It is normal for a patient to feel uncomfortable and confused with a sudden inflow of information regarding the MRI Scan of Body and what needs to be done
• If the patient needs further reassurance or a second opinion, a physician will almost always assist in recommending another physician
• Also, if the procedure involves multiple steps or has many alternatives, the patient may take a second opinion to understand and choose the best one. They can also choose to approach another physician independently 

What are some Helpful Resources?

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003335.htm (accessed on August 2, 2014)

Prior to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure:

How does the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure work?

• The MRI equipment uses magnet fields instead of ionizing radiation
• An electrical current passes through coils in order to produce a magnetic field
• Other coils send and receive radio waves and signals that are detected by the coils
• A computer processes the signals and generates images showing a thin slice of body

How is the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure Performed?

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body procedure is performed as:

• The patient is positioned on the moveable examination table
• An IV line may be inserted into the patient’s arm, if contrast material is required for the procedure
• The patient has to remain still during the procedure, in order to avoid any blurriness of the images
• The patient is moved into the MRI unit and images are taken, while the radiologist is checking the images in an adjacent room

Where is the Procedure Performed?

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Body Scan procedure is performed either as an in-patient procedure, or as an outpatient procedure, at a hospital. 

Who Performs the Procedure?

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body procedure is usually performed by a radiology technologist, under the supervision of a radiologist.

How long will the Procedure take?

The MRI Body Scan procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes.

Who interprets the Result?

A radiologist will analyze the images of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Body Scan and inform the primary care physician, who will then inform the patient.

What Preparations are needed, prior to the Procedure?

The following preparations may be needed prior to a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan procedure:

• The physician may evaluate the individual’s medical history to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the overall health status of the patient, including information related to the medications that are being currently taken
• Do inform the medical professional if you have a history of any medical conditions, such as a heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Do inform the medical professional about any allergies, especially related to barium or iodinated contrast material, which may be used in the procedure
• It is advisable to wear comfortable and loose clothes. Avoid wearing any metal objects or jewelry, as it may interfere with the x-ray
• Women should notify the physician, if they are pregnant or breastfeeding their child; as many such procedures may not be performed on pregnant women
• Depending on the procedure adopted, the patient may be asked for certain bowel or bladder preparations, before the preparation sessions
• The patient may be asked to avoid eating or drinking, several hours before the test
• It is recommended to notify the physician about any implants or metal objects in the body, such as a pacemaker, nerve simulators, surgical staples, or artificial heart valves, braces, or dyed tattoos, as they may interfere with the imaging, in some cases
• Those with metal objects in their body may be required to have an x-ray taken, before the MRI scan. In many cases, having a metal object in the body is a contraindication for performing a MRI scan

What is the Consent Process before the Procedure?

A physician will request your consent for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan procedure using an Informed Consent Form.

Consent for the Procedure: A “consent” is your approval to undergo a procedure. A consent form is signed after the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternative treatment options, are discussed. This process is called informed consent.

You must sign the forms only after you are totally satisfied with the answers to your questions. In case of minors and individuals unable to personally give their consent, the individual’s legal guardian or next of kin, shall give their consent for the procedure.

What are the Benefits versus Risks, for this Procedure?

Following are the benefits of an MRI Body Scan:

• The MRI does not use any ionizing radiations
• The contrast material used in the MRI is less likely to produce an allergic reaction, than such contrast materials used in other procedures
• The MRI tool can also be used as a guidance for performing biopsies
• It is a non-invasive technique
• The MRI helps determine the organ structure and how functional they are
• This method can also detect abnormalities, which are obscured by bones

Following are the risks of an MRI Body Scan:

• Generally, patients undergoing an MRI procedure have almost no risk associated with the procedure
• The MRI uses a strong magnetic field, which can affect medically-implanted metal devices
• The patient may experience an allergic reaction due to the contrast material used in the procedure, though it is very rare
• There is a very rare chance of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, if high doses of gadolinium contrast material are used in patients with very poor kidney function

What are the Limitations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

Following are the limitations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan:

• The MRI scan is quite expensive
• It takes more time to perform an MRI scan, than using other imaging techniques
• The patient must remain still, in order to obtain high-quality images through the scan
• In some cases, obese or large patients may have a difficulty in bodily-fitting into a conventional MRI machine
• Pregnant women are usually advised against having an MRI exam, unless it is deemed absolutely necessary

What are some Questions for your Physician?

Some of the basic questions that you might ask your healthcare provider or physician are as follows:

• What is the Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Body Scan procedure?
• Why is this procedure necessary? How will it help?
• How soon should I get it done? Is it an emergency?
• Who are the medical personnel involved in this procedure?
• Where is the procedure performed?
• What are the risks while performing the procedure?
• What are the complications that might take place, during recovery?
• What are the possible side effects from the procedure? How can I minimize these side effects?
• How long will it take to recover? When can I resume normal work?
• How many such procedures have you (the physician) performed?
• Are there any follow-up tests, periodic visits to the healthcare facility required, after the procedure?
• What are the costs involved?

During the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure:

What is to be expected during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

• The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan is a painless procedure
• The table you lie on may feel hard and the room may be cool. However, the patient may find it uncomfortable to stay still for a long time
• If the patient has claustrophobia (fear of being in closed spaces), sedation may be used to help the patient relax
• The patient may hear tapping or thumping sounds, when images are taken and may relax between the imaging sequences. If the patient wants to avoid the machine noise, they may request ear plugs
• Some people feel nervous inside the MRI scanner, due to the noise of the equipment; this is quite normal
• The patient is usually alone in the scan room during an MRI procedure, but the technologist will be able to see, hear, and speak, to the patient during the procedure
• The patient may feel a little warm on the part of the body, where images are taken
• A cooling and flushing sensation may be felt for a few minutes, when the contrast material is injected. Very rarely, the patient may feel nauseous, due to the contrast material
• In rare cases, if the patient is allergic to the contrast material, they may experience hives, itchy eyes, or local pain. In such cases, doctors are available for immediate assistance
• There is no recovery period necessary for patients, who are not sedated. These patients may resume their normal activities and a normal diet, after the exam

What kind of Anesthesia is given, during the Procedure?

No anesthesia is administered during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan.

How much Blood will you lose, during the Procedure?

There is no blood loss involved, during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body procedure.

What are the possible Risks and Complications during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

The following risks are possible during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body procedure:

• There are no significant risks for an MRI Scan of the Body
• In cases where general anesthesia is given (such as with children and infants), there may be some anesthetic complications

What Post-Operative Care is needed at the Healthcare Facility after Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

• There is no post-operative care required at the healthcare facility, after the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan procedure
• However, if the patient is experiencing an allergic reaction from the contrast reaction, then do contact the physician immediately

After the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure:

What is to be expected after the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

Generally, no complications or side effects are observed after an magnetic resonance imaging scan procedure.

When do you need to call your Physician?

If the patient is experiencing an allergic reaction from the contrast reaction, then do contact the physician. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan can be performed with or without using contrast material.

What Post-Operative Care is needed at Home after the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

There is no postoperative care required at home, after the MRI Body Scan.

How long does it normally take to fully recover, from the Procedure?

The patient needs no recovery time after an MRI Body Scan.

Additional Information:

What happens to tissue (if any), taken out during the Procedure?

No tissue is extracted from the patient during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Body Scan procedure. 

When should you expect results from the pathologist regarding tissue taken out, during the Procedure?

Since no tissue is removed during the procedure, a pathologist does not get involved in the care of the patient. 

Who will you receive a Bill from, after the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the Body radiology procedure?

It is important to note that the number of bills that the patient may receive depends on the arrangement the healthcare facility has with the physician and other healthcare providers.

Sometimes, the patient may get a single bill that includes the healthcare facility and the consultant physician charges. Sometimes, the patient might get multiple bills depending on the healthcare provider involved. For instance, the patient may get a bill from:

• The hospital, where the procedure is performed
• A radiologist, performing the procedure
• Healthcare providers, physicians, who are involved in the process

The patient is advised to inquire and confirm the type of billing, before the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Scan procedure is performed.