Types of Full Body Scan - Choose the Best One For You

You are probably aware of medical scanning as a modern diagnostic technique that helps health professionals identify diseases and health issues. However, many people may not know about the availability of full body scans. These scans offer a comprehensive picture of the whole body and are a valuable tool in preventative healthcare, enabling individuals to monitor their health and detect potential problems early.

Full body scans can identify a wide range of issues, from head trauma to liver conditions. However, they are typically only available on the private market, and there are several types to choose from. This article explores some of the most popular scans and discusses which scan is best for a full body checkup.

What is a full body scan?

A full body scan is exactly what it sounds like. It uses advanced medical imaging technology to screen and create high-quality images of the inside of your body, from head to pelvis, or head to toe. These images allow doctors and specialists to analyse your organs, tissues, and blood vessels. Whole body scans can help you monitor your overall health and potentially prevent the development of future health problems. They can also assist in diagnosing serious conditions such as cancer, tumours, or disease at an early stage.

There are several different types of full body scans. Generally speaking, you cannot access this type of scan through the NHS unless you are referred for one due to specific symptoms or risks that warrant it. However, you can book a private scan independently with no referral needed.

Types of full body scan

Here are the details for some of the most common scan types to help you determine which scan is best for full body checkups.

MRI scans

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed cross-sectional 3D images of the inside of your body. We offer three types of full body MRI scans - Base, Plus (which includes the full spine), and Comprehensive (which includes the full spine and the heart).

What can it detect?

MRI scans are ideal for examining soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, blood vessels, and the spinal cord. They can detect and monitor tumours as well as abnormalities in areas such as the brain and spine. Conditions an MRI scan can identify include:

• Aneurysms
• Arthritis
• Brain conditions (e.g. dementia)
• Cancer and tumours
• Epilepsy
• Kidney and liver disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke

How it works

MRI scans use magnets and radio waves to measure hydrogen atoms in the body’s water and fat. When you lie inside the cylindrical scanner, the machine aligns these atoms using magnetic forces. Radio wave bursts then disturb them, and as the atoms realign, they release energy signals. The scanner detects these signals to create detailed 3D images of your internal structures.

Pros

Advantages of MRI scans are:

• They produce high-quality, detailed images of internal structures
• They are very safe and non-invasive, with no exposure to ionising radiation
• They enable early detection of diseases and abnormalities

Cons

Disadvantages include:

• They are slower, noisier, and more expensive than CT scans
• They are not suitable for people with metal implants due to magnetic forces
• The enclosed scanner can be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia

Costs

These scans are generally more expensive than CT scans. A full body MRI can cost around £1500-£2500 and is typically only covered by health insurance if deemed medically necessary.

What to expect

The scan process is straightforward, with little to no preparation required.

• You’ll remove all metal objects before lying on a flat bed that moves inside the tube-shaped scanner.
• The scan can take around 90 minutes depending on the area being examined.
• Some scans may involve the injection of gadolinium contrast dye to enhance image clarity. This is safe, but you may need to fast for a few hours beforehand and could experience mild side effects like nausea or dizziness. Full body scans generally do not use contrast agents.
• A radiologist will analyse your results, which you should receive within a week.

Getting a scan

You can book a full body MRI in just minutes here. Simply find a suitable scanning centre and provide your personal details. One of our experienced clinicians will contact you for a pre-scan consultation, discuss the results post-scan, and offer follow-up support.

CT Scans

A computed tomography (CT) scan uses a series of X-ray images and a computer to create a detailed 3D view of your body.

What can it detect?

CT scans are particularly effective for examining bones, making them ideal for assessing fractures. They can also detect a range of problems with organs, tissues, and blood vessels. They are most commonly used for injuries or trauma but can also help diagnose:

• Appendicitis
• Blood clots
• Cancer and tumours
• Heart disease
• Injury and trauma
• Lung infections (e.g. pneumonia)
• Strokes

How it works

CT scans use multiple X-ray images, which are processed by a computer. The patient lies on a flat bed that moves through a ring-shaped scanner operated by a radiographer. As the ring rotates around the body, it captures a series of 2D images (or slices). The computer then compiles these into a detailed 3D model of the scanned area.

Pros

Advantages of CT scans are:

• They are fast. A CT scan takes only around 10-20 minutes.
• They cover a wide area of the body quickly, making them useful for emergency diagnoses (e.g. fractures, trauma, internal bleeding).
• They produce better bone structure images than MRI scans.

Cons

The main drawback of CT scans is exposure to ionising radiation. While the risk of cancer is small, it increases with repeated scans. Studies suggest an overall 0.7% increased cancer risk, rising to 2.7% - 12% for multiple scans. For this reason, full body CT scans for general screening are generally avoided unless medically necessary.

Other disadvantages include:

• Less detail for soft tissues than MRI scans.
• Scans involving an iodine-based contrast dye to improve image quality can cause slightly worse side effects than those involving gadolinium dyes used in MRI scans.

Costs

CT scans on a single body part are generally in the £300-600 region. Full body CT scans are rarely performed unless considered medically necessary, but expect to pay in the region of £1000-1200.

What to expect

CT scans follow a similar procedure to MRI scans, with some additional requirements:

• You may need to fast for a few hours before the scan, especially if a contrast dye is used.
• Remove any metal objects before entering the scanner.
• If contrast dye is required, it will be administered orally or via injection.
• The scan typically takes 10-20 minutes.
• A radiologist will analyse your results, which you should receive within a couple of weeks.

DEXA scans for full body composition

A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) body composition scan measures the distribution of fat, muscle, and bone in your body. This can be a valuable first step when planning lifestyle changes to improve your health and manage your weight.

What can it detect?

A DEXA scan does not diagnose diseases, but it provides key health insights, including:

• Fat mass as a percentage of total body weight
• Visceral fat levels stored around internal organs, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes
• Lean body mass, which is the percentage of muscle, organs, and other soft tissue as a percentage of total body weight
• Bone density, which helps to identify risks for conditions such as osteoporosis (brittle bones)

How it works

A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to differentiate between fat, muscle, and bone. The patient lies on a flat table, while a scanning arm moves across the body, capturing multiple 2D images (or slices). These images are then processed to create a detailed 3D picture of body composition.

Pros

• Provides precise measurements of bone, fat, and muscle composition
• A valuable tool for optimising health and fitness
• Helps with weight management and identifying the associated risks of being overweight
• Offers insights into your risk of osteoporosis

Cons

• A DEXA scan does not detect diseases in organs or soft tissues
• If you need a full body medical checkup, this is not the most suitable option
• The scan involves low-dose radiation exposure

Costs

Expect a full body DEXA scan to cost around £150. This type of scan is unlikely to be covered by health insurance plans.

What to expect

DEXA scans are quick and straightforward, with no fasting required. However, you will need to remove any jewellery or metal objects to prevent any interference with the X-ray machinery. During the scan, you’ll lie on a padded table while a scanning arm moves over your body. The process takes about 5-10 minutes. After the scan, a radiologist will analyse the results and then your doctor or specialist will discuss the findings with you.

Getting a scan

You can book a DEXA scan for as little as £125 at a location convenient for you. No referral is required - simply book online and discuss any concerns with one of our dedicated clinicians. Once your scan is complete, the clinician will contact you to discuss the results.

Which full body scan is best for you?

Each type of scan has its strengths and limitations, and the best choice depends on your specific health concerns.

• DEXA scan - ideal for assessing body composition, including bone density, muscle mass, and fat percentage. However, it does not detect most illnesses or internal diseases.
• CT scan - best for quick, detailed images of bones, tissues, and organs. It is highly effective for detecting injuries, abnormalities, and internal bleeding, but involves radiation, making it more suitable for diagnosing existing symptoms rather than routine screening. It is unlikely to be carried out on your whole body except in an emergency.
• MRI scan - the preferred choice for general health checks and early disease detection. It provides high-quality images of soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels without radiation exposure, making it a safer option for regular preventative screening.

Your full body scan choice will depend on your health goals - whether it’s monitoring body composition, diagnosing a condition, or undergoing a comprehensive health screening.

Sources used

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ct-scan/
• https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/scans-and-x-rays/
• https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/11/medical-scans-explained
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/radiation-risk-from-medical-imaging