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What Happens at a Full Body MRI Scan? (+ Time Taken)
What happens when you have a Full Body Scan? Here's our guide to preparation, medical imaging procedure, time taken and scan results
Written by Lillie Coles
Last updated
Medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Latief
On
If you’ve never had a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan before, you might be wondering what to expect. A full body MRI scan follows a similar process to other MRI scans, with the main difference being its longer duration. In this article, we guide you through what happens when you have a full body scan step by step - from arriving for your scan to receiving your results.
Check-in and paperwork
The check-in process for a full body scan is straightforward. You should aim to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. At the reception desk, you might be asked to provide ID, so it’s worth bringing a form of ID with you. You will then complete a short medical questionnaire covering:
- Any health issues, medical conditions, or other risk factors such as being pregnant
- Metal implants in your body
- Allergies or phobias, particularly claustrophobia
- Past surgeries
- Family history of diseases or serious illnesses
You may also need to sign a consent form giving the facility permission to perform the MRI.
Change into a gown
Once you have completed the paperwork, you will be taken into a private changing area.
If you’re wearing soft, comfortable clothing with no metal fastenings, you might be able to wear your own clothes for the scan. However, in most cases, you’ll be asked to remove all clothing and jewellery, except for your underwear. Bras with underwires will also need to be removed. The centre will provide you with a hospital gown to wear during the scan, and a locker will be available to store your belongings until after the scan is completed.
Remove metal objects
An MRI scan is a medical imaging technique using strong magnetic forces and radio waves to create detailed images. Because of this, you will need to remove any metal objects, as they can interfere with the scanning machinery. Items that must be removed include:
- Jewellery and watches
- Piercings
- Hearing aids
- Dentures
- Glasses
- Hair clips
- Wigs
- Some types of makeup (which may contain metallic fibres)
Some tattoo inks contain metal-based pigments, which can heat up slightly during an MRI scan. This is not dangerous or common, but can cause mild skin irritation. If you are concerned, or experience any warming sensations during your scan, inform the radiographer straight away.
In most cases, you cannot have a full body MRI scan if you have permanent metal implants or shrapnel that can’t be removed.
Pre-scan safety briefing
Immediately prior to the scan, you will receive a short safety briefing that covers:
- A brief explanation of the scanning process and its purposes
- Risks for certain groups (e.g. individuals with metal implants or those in the first trimester of pregnancy)
- Instructions on remaining still during the scan
- Emergency protocols and procedures
If you suffer from claustrophobia, you may be offered a mild sedative, or the use of a wider, less enclosed MRI machine (if available).
Discuss medical history and allergies
Following the safety briefing, a short discussion will take place about your overall health and any underlying medical conditions. Full body MRI scans are generally safe for most individuals, but this conversation will help the radiographer minimise any potential issues while operating the machinery during the scan.
For MRI scans involving a gadolinium-based contrast agent, there will also be a discussion about the possibility of mild allergic reactions (e.g. nausea, dizziness). Additionally, scans involving contrast agents are not suitable for people with severe kidney conditions. However, full body scans typically do not require the use of contrast agents.
Lie on the MRI table
The radiographer will ask you to lie on a horizontal scanning bed, which is typically around 220cm long and 60cm wide. You should lie flat on your back and ensure you are in a comfortable position.
Position and padding
Proper positioning is essential for comfort and good image quality during a full body MRI scan. You will lie on your back with your arms usually at your sides, though sometimes they may be placed above your head.
To enhance comfort:
- Foam pads and cushions may be used to support the head, neck, lower back, and knees.
- Velcro straps or belts might be applied to minimise movement, but these are avoided if they could cause discomfort or anxiety.
Ear protection
MRI scanners produce loud noises due to the use of strong magnets and electric currents. You may hear buzzing, drilling, or tapping sounds, but these are not dangerously loud and typically do not exceed 120db.
To protect your ears, you will be provided with:
- Earplugs or noise-reducing headphones
- Optional music-playing headphones at some facilities to help distract from the noise
Enter the MRI machine
Once you are in position, the radiographer will slowly move the motorised bed into the scanner - an open-ended cylinder roughly the length of your head and body. For most full body scans, you will enter head first and spend the majority of the time with your upper half inside the scanner.
Throughout the scan, you can communicate with the radiographer at any time using a two-way intercom.
Remain still during scanning
During the scan, you will be required to remain as still as possible to avoid blurred images of body parts. The radiographer will inform you when it is okay to relax or move slightly. To help with staying still and reduce discomfort, you can try closing your eyes, breathing rhythmically, and imagining a pleasant, calming scene.
Follow breathing instructions
Some scans require you to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time to maximise image quality. This will only happen occasionally and typically lasts around 10-20 seconds. The radiographer will use the intercom to relay any breathing instructions, and you can communicate with them if you have difficulty following these instructions.
Monitor scanning progress
The MRI scanner will slowly scan your whole body. The radiographer controls the machine using a computer, usually from a separate room or behind a glass screen to avoid interference with the magnets. They will keep you informed via the intercom about the scan’s progress and estimated time remaining. You can also use the intercom to ask questions or raise any concerns during the scan.
Scan completion
The radiographer will inform you when the scan is complete. They will then slowly move you out of the scanner and remove any belts or straps that were applied. You can then get dressed, retrieve your belongings, leave the scanning centre, and resume your normal activities.
Receive feedback and results
After your MRI scan, a radiologist will review the images, and write a report detailing the findings, any issues or abnormalities, and any recommended next steps. They’ll share this report with your Full Body Scan clinician.
The clinician will then contact you to discuss the scan results, help you understand them, and guide you through the recommended course of action, if needed. They can also assist with any follow ups, such as explaining the process for booking additional scans and tests, like cancer screening, blood tests, or biopsies.
For private full body scans, you can expect to receive feedback within 7 working days, which is typically much quicker than for NHS MRI scans.
How long does a full body scan take?
A full body MRI scan usually takes about 60-90 minutes, though it could be slightly shorter or longer, depending on the specific requirements and how the scan progresses. Here’s a rough breakdown of the full procedure:
- 15-20 minutes for preparation
- 60-90 minutes for the scan itself
- 5-10 minutes for removing any straps, discussing any immediate concerns, and getting dressed
Where to get a full body scan
You can book a full body MRI scan at one of our many scanning centres. The booking process takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve provided your details, one of our qualified clinicians will be in touch for a pre-scan phone consultation. They will also offer follow-up support after the scan, helping you to understand your results and guiding you on further care or treatment if required.
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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
