Is a whole body MRI safe?
MRI uses magnetic fields and not ionizing radiation. Two limits are stated with the same weight as the reassurance: a normal result does not exclude disease, and incidental findings are common and may lead to further investigation, anxiety and procedures that do not change the outcome. Whole body MRI screening in people without symptoms is not an established indication. Every scan is interpreted by a radiologist within a physician-led pathway.
Screening limits
A normal result does not exclude disease. These tests do not replace the national screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, which you should continue to attend. Broad testing produces incidental findings that need further investigation, and that investigation has its own burden and risk.
Reviewed by Dr. Erietta Galani, MD, PhD, MD, PhD in cellular immunology, dual specialty in internal medicine and intensive care, Founder and Medical Lead, minus10med, Athens.
Professional identification number: 2995
Last reviewed: