Full Body MRI
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LivingCare offers full-body MRI scanning using advanced 3T technology at our locations across Sheffield and Leeds. With fast access to appointments and expert radiologist reporting, you gain valuable insight into your health with no unnecessary delays.
A full-body MRI scan is a non-invasive imaging procedure to give a broad overview of your internal health. Unlike targeted diagnostic scans, it focuses on multiple areas of the body to identify potential concerns before symptoms develop.
The MRI’s powerful magnetic fields and radio waves produce highly detailed images of organs and tissues—without ionising radiation. This makes it one of the safest imaging methods available. MRI scans are in demand: NHS England data shows that in January 2025, over 22% of patients waited more than 6 weeks for their scan.
At LivingCare, full-body MRI scanning is often the choice for patients who want peace of mind about their health, particularly when there are risk factors, family history or lifestyle factors. Please be aware that this does not replace targeted diagnostic imaging. If there is a specific health concern or issue you wish to scan for, we advise you to discuss it with a healthcare professional.
During a full-body MRI scan, the MRI system acquires images of multiple body regions in sequence to provide a comprehensive overview. Depending on your clinical information, this may include the brain, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. You can also include the spine.
Our advanced 3T MRI scanners capture high-quality images. With AI image reconstruction supported by Deep Resolve AI on our Leeds scanner, our technology reduces the time you spend in the scanner while maintaining excellent image quality.
Once your scan is complete, an experienced consultant radiologist will review your images. They’ll produce a detailed written report, outlining any findings and providing clear recommendations.
If they identify anything unexpected, the team will guide you through the next steps during a follow-up with a LivingCare GP. This may include further imaging or referral to a specialist for targeted investigation.
Full body MRI scanning is a preventive health tool rather than a diagnostic test for specific symptoms.
It may be suitable if you:
It is important to note that full-body MRI scans do not replace diagnostic imaging. If you have specific symptoms affecting a particular area of the body, a targeted scan is usually the most appropriate and clinically effective option. If you have specific concerns or symptoms or are unsure whether a whole-body scan is suitable for you, we recommend discussing this with a healthcare professional.
Preparing for your scan is straightforward. Your healthcare team may ask you to complete a health questionnaire to assess your suitability and tailor the scan to your needs.
Before your MRI scan begins and during the booking process, the team will ask some safety questions about the MRI scanner, as it is a very powerful magnet. This is to ensure you can safely undergo an MRI, and our experienced team will guide you through this screening process.
We may be unable to perform the scan if this screening process identifies any contraindications to MRI. These could include pacemakers, defibrillators, infusion pumps, pregnancy, intracranial clips, coils or recent ‘pill-cam’ procedures.
You eat and drink normally before your appointment, but if your scan requires contrast imaging, the consultant may ask you to fast for a short period beforehand. You will receive clear instructions in advance on what you need to do to prepare. We advise wearing loose, metal-free clothing for your appointment, but a gown will be provided to change into if required.
Your scan will typically take between one and two hours, depending on the areas being scanned.
You will lie on a comfortable scanning table that moves into the MRI scanner. The scanner produces rhythmic sounds during imaging. Your healthcare team will provide ear protection, and you may request music to help you relax. You may feel warm during the scan, which is normal. The MRI scanner has a built-in fan to help keep you cool.
You can speak to the radiography team between scans (we can only speak to patients between sequences), and they can pause if needed. You are provided with a call bell or buzzer to attract the scanning team’s attention during your scan if needed. Remaining still for the duration is important to ensure clear images.
Once your scan is complete, you can return to your normal activities straight away.
A consultant radiologist will review your images. Within a week, the consultant will have prepared a detailed report, ready to share with a LivingCare GP or a clinician of your choice.
If any findings require further investigation, LivingCare can quickly arrange appropriate follow-up care, ensuring continuity and clarity in your next steps.
Full-body MRI scanning is considered a very safe, painless procedure with no known long-term side effects.
However, there are some considerations:
The consultant assesses your suitability for the scan before your appointment to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you. If you have any questions or concerns about an implant or device in your body, please inform the team during the booking process.
No specific recovery is required after a full-body MRI scan. Most can return to normal activities, including work and driving, on the same day.
If you’ve had contrast dye during your scan, your consultant may advise you to drink extra fluids to help your body process it.
The next step in your journey will usually be a further discussion of your results to ensure you fully understand the findings and what they mean for your health.
At LivingCare, our full-body MRI scanning combines advanced technology with expert clinical insight to provide you with a clear, reliable overview of your health.
Full-body MRI scans are part of a preventive healthcare approach, aiming to detect disease and illness before they develop or spread. Your body can respond more effectively to early treatment.
That’s why we offer rapid appointment access with no referral and a seamless pathway to care if findings require investigation.
With locations across Sheffield and Leeds, LivingCare provides convenient access to high-quality private imaging in a calm, supportive environment, helping you take control of your health with confidence.
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You can self-pay for treatment at LivingCare or use your medical insurance. Click here to learn more.
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Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
