Not All Whole-body MRI Scans are the Same

Not all Whole-body MRI Scans are the Same

Whole-body MRIs, especially when used for screening, are not all the same. Until 2021, there was no minimum standard for image acquisition and reporting. This left each provider to determine their own sequences, resolution, and protocols. Because high-quality, comprehensive MRI imaging is time-based, some providers have chosen to innovate for speed in order to increase patient output. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of accuracy, disguised as “screening” and often leads to increased risk of false positives or false negatives.

At MBR Health, we actively take a very different approach. Our whole-body MRI utilises our exclusive advanced oncology-grade Whole Body MRI (TM) protocol, designed to exceed industry standards and deliver the most precise, reliable information for early cancer detection and preventative health management.

Expertise Matters: Reporting Radiologist

Before you book a whole-body MRI ask the provider:

“Who will be reporting my scan?” and
“Does this provider have experience reporting oncology whole-body MRI scans?”

Many will be surprised to know that there are no minimum experience requirement defined for radiologists reporting whole-body MRI scans. Yet, radiologist expertise is absolutely essential to the confidence and reliability of any imaging, especially screening where there is a unique balance of benefit to risk of indeterminate findings. Whole-body MRI is complex, and should be reported by individuals highly experienced in full-body oncology imaging. At an absolute minimum, reporting should be carried out by radiologists with multi-organ oncology expertise, not simply a musculoskeletal or breast specialist radiologist.

Many providers, including those offering a unified protocol across nationwide partner clinics, lack the appropriate oversight and clinical application of their whole-body MRI protocols. These scans are often reported remotely by a group of radiologists with a mixture of backgrounds, without true skin in the game. Without the necessary full-body MRI reporting experience the feedback loop between the imaging team and the reporting radiologist is broken. This feedback is essential for refining protocols, ensuring quality, and giving radiologists the confidence to call subtle but clinically significant findings. When that loop is missing, small but important abnormalities may be overlooked, undermining the very value of the scan.

At MBR Health, all our full-body MRI scans are reported by Dr Zane Sherif, Whole Body MRI Pty Ltd co-founder and specialist radiologists with extensive experience in whole-body MRI reporting. To date, Dr Sherif and team have performed and reported over 800 full-body MRI scans since 2021. Uniquely, over 40% of of our whole-body MRI scans are reported in conjunction with same-patient multi-modal imaging as a part of our Executive Package. This further enhances our radiologists expertise and reporting confidence in our whole-body MRI scans, not available elsewhere in Australia.

To learn more, read our article “What to look for in a full-body MRI provider” on our Whole Body MRI website.

Exceeding Industry Standards in Image Acquisition

Did you know that prior to 2021, there was no standardised image acquisition protocol for full-body MRI?

In 2021, the Oncologically Relevant Findings Reporting and Data System (ONCO-RADS) was introduced to provide a structured framework for whole-body MRI. Until this time, whole-body MRI scans varied in their protocol, with some performed at 22 minutes, some at 50 minutes with varied technical abilities and equipment (1.5T vs 3T), resulting in vast differences in the sensitivity and risk of indeterminate, false positives or false negatives. This clinical inconsistency, has translated to research applications, meaning that it is currently not possible to draw meaningful conclusions of the utility of this scan for various indications, including as a relatively new screening tool.

Providers who implement ONCO-RADS imaging standards are meeting the current international standard for full-body MRI. While this will hopefully create consistency, at minimum in the clinical oncology space, there remains limitations the proposed imaging protocols.

In conjunction with Whole Body MRI TM, MBR Health delivers true oncology-grade whole-body MRI scans for early detection with unmatched high-fidelity spatial resolution. This scan including our exclusive innovation to 3T full-body DWIBS (the key cancer detection sequence) for greater sensitivity and accuracy compared to the current industry standards.

Our maximalist image quality-focused approach, doesn’t stop there. We now include targeted, non-contrast MRCP (MRI cholangiopancreatography) for even greater sensitivity organs with cancers difficult to detect early such as pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.

Before you book a whole-body MRI, ask the provider:

“Is this scan used for cancer staging?”
“Does this scan meet ONCO-RADS image acquisition guidelines?”

Read our article on “how to choose a whole-body MRI provider” to learn more.

Why Choose MBR Health Whole-body MRI?

At MBR Health, we offer more than just a full-body “survey” scan — we deliver a true oncology-grade, advanced 3T Whole-Body MRI with the highest resolution and, in turn, the greatest sensitivity of any full-body provider in Australia, and possibly world-wide.

Unlike other providers founded on screening protocols, our scan was built for oncology. This ensures that even the smallest abnormalities are detected and reported with confidence.

Our whole-body MRI service is supported by internationally recognised experts Dr Zane Sherif and Ben Kennedy, who work hand-in-hand to continually refine our protocols for ongoing innovation. Their leadership ensures our imaging not only meets but consistently exceeds international standards for cancer screening and preventative healthcare. We are supported

While many providers may compromise quality for speed, we prioritise precision, oversight, and reliability. Every whole-body MRI is carried out with a patient-first approach, advanced imaging technology, and world-class expertise — because when it comes to early cancer detection, every millimetre matters.

Seeking More Information about MBR Health or Whole Body MRI Pty Ltd?

We love what we do and are happy to answer any questions you may have about whole-body MRI or any other radiology services we offer. Please Contact Us at a time convenient for you.

You can find many answers to FAQ by visiting Whole Body MRI (TM) website.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice tailored to your individual circumstances. We believe in empowering people to make informed decisions about their health in partnership with their trusted healthcare provider(s). Please speak with your doctor or healthcare team about whether full-body MRI is right for you and your long-term health goals.

Author: A Forbes (PhD) Clinical Research Lead and Medical Science Writer for MBR Health.