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Are Full Body Scans Safe?
Are you wondering if full body scans are safe? Read our guide to the risk factors of this preventative whole body MRI scan
Written by Lillie Coles
Last updated
Medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Latief
On
Full body scans are quickly becoming a key tool in preventative medicine on the private market. They offer comprehensive screening of the whole body, even for healthy people without symptoms or risk factors, potentially helping to detect a range of illnesses and abnormalities early, when they are more treatable. Some celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Rita Ora and Chris Hemsworth, have promoted these scans for their health benefits.
There are different types of body screening available, all utilising advanced medical imaging techniques. These include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. But are full body scans safe? This article will explore benefits and risks of some of the most commonly used methods.
MRI scans
MRI scans use a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed cross-sectional 3D images of the body. Patients lie on a bed that passes through a tube-shaped scanner, which produces images of the body’s organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. An MRI scan can highlight tumours, lesions, and other abnormalities in various areas of the body, including the brain and spinal cord.
An MRI scan is very safe. There is no exposure to radiation, meaning that, unlike CT or Positive Emission Tomography (PET) scans, it does not increase cancer risk. Furthermore, the scan is non-invasive, requiring no surgical cuts or injections. In some MRI scans a contrast agent may be administered via injection or oral consumption to enhance image clarity, but they aren’t normally used for full body scans. This can sometimes cause mild side effects, such as nausea or a small rash.
Since MRI scans use powerful magnetic forces, they are not suitable for individuals with metal implants or pacemakers. You must also remove any jewellery or piercings before entering the scanner.
While MRI scans themselves are safe, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. They can produce false positives, identifying harmless incidental findings - such as a benign lesion - that may lead to unnecessary concern. This can contribute to overdiagnosis, causing anxiety and prompting further testing or treatment, which may not be entirely risk-free or necessary.
Thus, while a full body MRI scan is highly safe, careful interpretation of its findings is essential. Your images will be medically reviewed and reported on by a highly trained radiologist who is experienced in full body imaging. The findings will then be discussed with you by an experienced doctor. However, those in low-risk groups should be aware of this when booking a full body scan.
CT scans
CT scans are another advanced form of medical imaging technology that uses multiple X-ray images to create a detailed cross-sectional 3D view of the body’s internal structure. Patients lie on a table while a rotating ring-shaped scanner moves around them, capturing a series of 2D images (or slices). These are processed by computer software to generate a comprehensive image.
A CT scan provides detailed images of bones, organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. They are faster than MRI scans, making them ideal for assessing injuries, trauma, and internal bleeding. They are also particularly effective for cancer screening, as well as evaluating lung and heart conditions.
Although CT scans are painless and generally non-invasive, they involve exposure to X-ray radiation, which carries a slight risk of cancer. This risk is minimal but increases with repeated scans. Some studies suggest an overall increased cancer risk of 0.7%, rising to between 2.7% and 12% with multiple scans. Similar to MRI scans, CT scans sometimes use contrast agents, which can cause minor side effects.
Due to these risks, CT scans are typically recommended only for symptomatic or high risk cases when medically necessary. The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises their use for targeted screenings, such as lung cancer detection, rather than for routine preventative healthcare.
DEXA scan
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans are a type of full body imaging used to assess bone density and the distribution of fat and muscle in your body. They are primarily used in preventative healthcare rather than for diagnosing illnesses, offering insights into lifestyle changes that may help achieve or maintain optimum health.
DEXA scans use very low-dose X-rays. Patients lie on a table while a scanning arm moves over the body to capture images. They are considered very safe, as radiation exposure is lower than that of CT scans and even standard X-rays. Since no contrast agent is used, there are no expected side effects after the scan.
Although radiation exposure is minimal, certain groups such as pregnant women are advised to avoid DEXA scans unless medically necessary. If you require frequent scans over time, consulting with a GP or qualified health professional is recommended to minimise any risks.
Reasons to get a full-body MRI scan
A full body MRI is the safe and comprehensive way to assess your internal health. You might consider a scan for several reasons, including:
However, keep in mind that incidental findings and false positives can lead to further testing, which may outweigh the benefits in some cases.
Where to get a scan
You can book a full body scan in a matter of minutes here. Simply pick a suitable scanning centre and fill in your personal details. We offer confidential pre-scan consultations and, once a radiographer has assessed the results, we’ll be available to discuss the results and any next steps.
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Book your Full Body Scan
Because early diagnosis saves lives.
- Get checked before symptoms start
- Access treatment sooner for better outcomes
