Total body scans have long been a resource for patients at high risk of certain diseases and for those who want extra peace of mind about their health status. However, these tests relied on computed tomography imaging (CT scanning), and that meant exposure to radiation.
What is a total body scan?
Advanced Approaches To Early Disease Detection
Advances
Today, thanks to advances in imaging clarity from magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, Unique Imaging can perform total body scans without unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Efficient
Our total body scans use the most powerful MR technology to detect disease at the earliest stages in any part of the body. In addition, for patients who have had cancer in the past, our total body scans can detect evidence of disease as effectively and with the same level of localization precision as PET scans.
Knowledge Is Power
Patients choose Unique Imaging total body scanning to screen for tumors, anatomical abnormalities, and other signs of disease. And for some patients, the results can be lifesaving. In fact, studies show screening body scans imaging lead to detection of clinically relevant diseases and unexpected findings requiring further imaging or surveillance. In addition, one study indicated whole-body MRI scans could help detect cancers at an early stage for high-risk patients.
Easy, Comfortable, And Convenient
Many patients who have had an MRI complain about noise. That’s why Unique Imaging invested in brand-new technology that reduces sound levels by up to 70 percent. In addition to a reduced-noise experience, patients also enjoy in-bore entertainment, which allows them to personalize their experience by selecting a video theme that can be viewed on an easy-to-position mirror paired with comfortable headphones.
Unique Imaging has three convenient locations throughout Miami-Dade, and at each location patients benefit from our advanced technology and Unique Imaging’s unparalleled, “patient-centric” approach to service.
Experts At The Helm
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More about this elective total body scan?
A total body scan is a thorough examination of your body in order to detect any potential disease or dangers that could be problematic now or potentially in the future. It is comprised of a Pet/CT scan and MRI scan from the brain to the pelvis in order to detect any potential abnormalities. Full body scanning can detect non-serious diseases as well as serious diseases such as cancer. This is an elective procedure that many people get for both peace of mind and the ability to treat any diseases in early stages, before symptoms are prevalent or damage has occurred.
Why is a total body scan important?
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 600,000 deaths per year related to heart disease each year.
- According to the National Cancer Institute, over 500,000 people die each year from cancer.
- Data from Cancer Research UK suggests, that “Ten-year survival is more than 90% for people whose cancer is diagnosed at stage one, compared with 5% for those whose disease is found at stage four.”
Research shows that full-body MRIs are more effective for people at high risk for disease based on family history. In one global study, the detection rate for cancers tripled with full-body scans, which contributed to earlier diagnoses with better prognoses… and peace of mind.
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What does a total body scan consist of?
Who should have a total body scan?
We recommend a total body scan for individuals over age 35, and those at risk for disease due to a variety of factors such as: family history, smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled stress and anger, poor diet, or other factors. Other candidates are those that worry about whether or not they have a serious disease and lose peace of mind over it.
How accurate is a total body scan?
The accuracy of a total body scan depends in large part, on the equipment/technology. In the case of an MRI Scan, the accuracy can be measured by the strength of the magnet in Teslas (T). Until recently, the high field standard was 1.5 Tesla, which was 10 to 15 times stronger than low field (less strong) MRIs. However, recent advancements in this technology has enabled a 3 Tesla MRI which is able to provide unparalleled image resolution and shorter scan times, to enable patient comfort and ultimately maximize the accuracy of the scan. Here at Unique Imaging, we utilize the Phillips Ingenia 3.0T MRI, The Siemens Skyra 3.0T, MRI, and the GE Discovery 64 Slice PET/CT. These are the best diagnostic imaging equipment in the industry mostly found in large hospitals. We are one of the few outpatient centers to have this level of technology.
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How is all this possible? Learn about the technology…
Our Equipment
OMAR (Orthopedic Metal Artifact Reduction):
Phillips Ingenia 3.0T
The Philips Ingenia 3.0T is the first-ever digital broadband magnetic resonance imaging system. Complete with an in-bore patient comfort system and ambient environment, patients can have a pleasant MRI experience. It also provides both consistent high-quality images possible with 3.0T (Tesla) magnet strength.
MAIN FEATURES
- Optimized 70 cm Open Bore design to reduce patient anxiety and claustrophobia.
- Open Bore design can accommodate patients up to 551lb/250kg.
- Direct Digital samples the MR signal directly in the RF coil on the patient. In addition, the fiber-optic transmission captures the purest MR signal with up to 40% greater signal-to-noise ratio.
WHOLE BODY MRI:
Using an advanced imaging technique called DWIBS MRI can provide similar lesion detection and localization capabilities as PET scans but without the radiation involved in PET imaging. MRI whole body is used for screening, tumor staging, and assessment of treatment response. This technique has tremendous advantages for patients as the entire body can be examined in a single, short and comfortable study.
Siemens Skyra 3.0T
A powerful 3T magnet delivers high-quality images so a doctor can make a confident and accurate diagnosis. The Siemens Skyra is a versatile system that maximizes 3T magnetic field strength with its core technologies, Tim(r) 4G and Dot(r), along with its comprehensive application portfolio and experience unique functionalities to increase patient comfort. The Skyra possesses a Unique technology that provides a personalized exam that can be tailored to a patient’s need.
MAIN FEATURES
- The Skyra is a one of a kind system designed with an optimized 70 CM Open Bore design to reduce patient anxiety and claustrophobia.
- Open Bore design can accommodate patients up to 550lb/250kg.
- The shorter magnet on its class is only 173 CM system length. This means that most exams can be done with the patient head outside the machine.
- Choice of feet-first or head-first imaging for most scans and applications
GE Discovery MI DR 64 slice PET/CT
Unique Imaging is proud to present the latest in PET/CT imaging technology to South Florida, the GE Discovery MI DR 64 slice PET/CT. Located in our Aventura Harbor Center the Discovery MI delivers excellent high resolution images, shorter scan times, streamlines workflow, and provides a wide & short bore open experience
MAIN FEATURES
- Wide 70cm bore
- Can accommodate patients up to 500 lbs. (227 kg)
- TOF (Time of Flight) PET imaging
- Low dose High Resolution CT
- Sub-millimeter CT scanning capabilitySmart CT Metal Artifact Reduction
- Smart CT Metal Artifact Reduction