‍

Overview: Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest

The Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest is a comprehensive preventive health screening that combines two powerful imaging technologies to give you the most complete picture of your health. The MRI component scans your body from brain to pelvis, examining organs, tissues, and bones for signs of abnormalities such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. The CT Chest component adds gold-standard lung screening, using low-dose computed tomography to detect lung conditions that MRI alone cannot reliably identify.

Together, these two scans provide a thorough, proactive approach to health screening — helping you detect potential risks early, when they are most manageable.

What’s included in the Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest?

Our scan combines two complementary imaging methods:

Full Body MRI (brain to pelvis): Uses magnetic fields and radio waves — with no ionising radiation — to produce detailed images of your soft tissues, organs, and bones. MRI excels at detecting abnormalities in the brain, liver, kidneys, spine, and musculoskeletal system.

Low-Dose CT Chest: Uses a very small amount of ionising radiation to produce highly detailed cross-sectional images of your lungs and chest. Low-dose CT is the gold standard for lung screening and is far superior to MRI for detecting lung conditions, including early-stage lung cancers and nodules.

By combining both, the Everlab scan covers areas that neither technology could screen as effectively on its own.

‍

What is the Everlab scan designed to show me?

The Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest provides a detailed look at your internal health across all major areas, including the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, spine, and bones. The scan can reveal early signs of conditions such as inflammation, tumours, vascular diseases, degenerative conditions, and lung abnormalities.

It is important to understand what the scan does and does not cover. Our MRI protocol is not a reliable screening tool for breast cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer — these require dedicated screening methods such as mammography, colonoscopy, and targeted prostate MRI respectively. Similarly, ovaries can be difficult to assess on this type of MRI protocol due to their mobility within the pelvis.

While the benefits of this screening are extensive, it is important to consider that patients may need to pay out of pocket for the scan, depending on their healthcare coverage.

‍

‍

‍

Benefits of the Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest

Early Detection: One of the most significant benefits of our scan is its ability to detect potential health issues at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. Current evidence demonstrates that early detection through whole body MRI improves outcomes for individuals at high risk — such as those with a significant genetic or familial predisposition to cancer. For average-risk individuals, research is ongoing and the full benefits of early detection through whole body MRI are still being established. This is an active area of study, and the evidence may evolve as more research is completed.

Comprehensive Screening: By combining Full Body MRI with a low-dose CT Chest, our scan provides a more thorough assessment than either technology alone. The MRI covers soft tissues, organs, and the musculoskeletal system, while the CT Chest delivers gold-standard lung screening — giving you a truly comprehensive overview of your health.

Detailed Imaging: The scan creates detailed pictures of your body’s internal structures. These high-resolution images enable accurate identification of abnormalities and effective treatment planning, ensuring that any detected issues are addressed promptly.

Family History: Individuals with a family history of cancer or other diseases can greatly benefit from our scan. By detecting potential health issues early, the scan provides peace of mind and a proactive approach to health management.

No MRI Contrast Required: The MRI component of our scan does not require contrast agents, making it more comfortable for patients — especially those who may have allergies or sensitivities to contrast materials.

Preventive Medicine: The Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest is a cornerstone of preventive medicine. It empowers you to take proactive steps towards maintaining your health by detecting potential issues early and allowing for timely intervention.

‍

What can the scan screen for?

Lung Screening (CT Chest): Low-dose CT is the gold standard for lung cancer screening and is far more effective than MRI for detecting lung nodules and early-stage lung cancers. This is one of the key reasons our protocol includes a dedicated CT Chest component.

Cancer Detection (MRI): The MRI component can detect tumours and abnormalities across a range of organs including the brain, liver, kidneys, and spine. However, it is important to note that whole body MRI is not a reliable screening tool for breast cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer. These conditions require dedicated screening methods.

Thyroid Conditions: The scan can identify thyroid cancer and other thyroid abnormalities, enabling early evaluation and treatment.

Abnormal Findings: The scan can reveal findings such as tumours, cysts, and other lesions. Detecting these abnormalities early allows for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

‍

‍

Understanding radiation in our scan

Our scan uses two different imaging technologies, each with a different radiation profile:

MRI (brain to pelvis): Uses magnetic fields and radio waves only. There is zero ionising radiation exposure from the MRI component of your scan.

Low-Dose CT Chest: Involves a very small amount of ionising radiation. The dose from a low-dose chest CT is minimal — roughly equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation. This is widely considered to be well within safe limits, and the diagnostic benefit of superior lung screening significantly outweighs this small exposure.

If you have concerns about radiation exposure or would prefer to have the CT Chest component removed from your scan, please speak with our team and we can discuss your options.

‍

Getting the Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest

Can I get it done at Everlab?

Yes, Everlab offers the Full Body MRI + CT Chest throughout Australia. Our team will organise your scan for you as soon as a booking becomes available. Please sign up below to learn more.

‍

How should I prepare?

Preparing for your scan is simple. The MRI scanner uses powerful magnetic fields, so you’ll need to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery or watches, to avoid interference. Depending on the area being scanned, fasting for a few hours might be necessary. Wear comfortable clothes, and be prepared to lie still during the scan to ensure clear images.

What’s the process?

At Everlab, scheduling your scan is straightforward. After booking your appointment, we’ll guide you through the preparation steps, such as removing any metal objects and following any fasting requirements. On the day of the scan, our team will ensure you’re comfortable and informed throughout the procedure. After your scan, we’ll review the images, provide a detailed report with any findings and go through them in your next consultation.

‍

Your Results

What results will I receive?

Your Everlab Full Body MRI + CT Chest will generate detailed images from both the MRI and CT components. Our experts will review these to identify any signs of abnormalities. You’ll receive a full report that highlights any areas of concern, such as tumours, inflammation, or lung findings. If any issues are detected, we’ll guide you through the next steps for further investigation or treatment.

How do I interpret my results?

Interpreting scan results requires expertise, which is why our team at Everlab will walk you through your report. We’ll explain each finding and its significance, helping you understand your overall health and what actions you can take to improve it. Results can be complex, so we’re here to make sure everything is clear.

What do the results mean?

Your results offer a clear picture of your internal health. Whether the scan reveals potential risks or confirms that everything is functioning well, the information will help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and preventive health measures.

What do I need to do after my scan?

After your scan, it’s important to review your results with a healthcare professional. At Everlab, we’ll help you understand your findings and create a personalised plan to address any issues or maintain your current health. Whether further testing is needed or it’s time for a routine follow-up, we’ll guide you through the process.

Other Things to Know

Are there any side effects?

Both components of the scan are generally safe, with minimal risks. Some people may experience mild discomfort from lying still for an extended period or feelings of claustrophobia inside the MRI machine. As outlined above, the MRI uses no ionising radiation, while the CT Chest involves a very small, safe dose. There are no lasting side effects from either component.

It’s important to inform your technician if you have any metal implants or devices, such as a pacemaker, which could interfere with the MRI scan.

How long does the scan take?

A Full Body MRI typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the areas being scanned. The CT Chest component is very quick, usually completed in just a few minutes. After the scan, you can return to your normal activities immediately unless your doctor provides other instructions.

How much does it cost?

Generally, the cost ranges between $3,000 – $4,000. Prices may be higher if it’s a private scan done for preventive health rather than for a specific medical reason. If the scan is prescribed for a medical condition and covered by Medicare, a portion or the entirety of the cost may be subsidised.

‍

‍

Sources

1. National Health Service (NHS)
   MRI Scan Overview
   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/
2. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
   Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): How it works and what it shows
   https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
3. Cleveland Clinic
   CT Scan vs. MRI: What’s the Difference?
   https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ct-scan-vs-mri
4. Canstar
   How Much Does an MRI Cost in Australia?
   https://www.canstar.com.au/health-insurance/mri-scan-cost/
5. Healthdirect – What is an MRI?
   Simple explanation of MRI benefits, risks, and what to expect.
   https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri