Full Body Scan 101: MRI, CT, and DEXA Options Explained
Full Body Scan 101: Comparing MRI, CT, and DEXA Options
This guide to full-body scans, updated for 2025, blends the latest research, refreshed pricing, and real-life examples to help you decide whether a whole-body MRI, CT, or a BodySpec DEXA scan best fits your health goals.
Table of Contents
- What is a full body scan?
- Is a full body scan safe?
- How much does a full body scan cost?
- MRI vs CT vs DEXA: Coverage and use cases
- Who should (or shouldn’t) consider a full body scan?
- Example testing scenarios
- FAQs
What is a full body scan?
A full body scan usually refers to either a whole-body MRI or a low-dose full-body CT performed in a single sitting. These diagnostic exams search head-to-toe for silent cancers, aneurysms, or other hidden issues.
At BodySpec we perform DEXA body-composition scans. A DEXA scan is not a cancer screen; instead, it delivers an ultra-low-radiation snapshot of your fat, muscle, visceral fat, and bone density—actionable metrics you can improve with training and nutrition.
Diagnostic vs wellness DEXA
Hospitals use diagnostic DEXA for osteoporosis billing. BodySpec’s wellness DEXA uses the same dual-energy X-ray tech but is geared toward tracking body-composition trends. Need a medical bone density test? See “Bone Density Test: Key Insights and Guidelines”.
Many clients pair periodic DEXA scans with age-appropriate cancer screenings recommended by the National Cancer Institute.
Is a full body scan safe?
| Modality | Radiation Dose | Key Safety Points |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-Body MRI | None | No ionizing radiation. Claustrophobia is common. Gadolinium contrast is avoided in severe kidney disease. |
| Low-Dose CT (Full Body) | 10–20 mSv (≈3–7 years of background radiation) | Cumulative exposure adds risk; annual use not advised for low-risk adults [4]. |
| DEXA | 0.003 mSv (≈9 hours of background radiation) | Similar exposure to eating four bananas—see “Do DEXA Scans Have Radiation?”. |
A 2019 systematic review found false-positive rates of ~16 % for preventive whole-body MRI [3]. A 2024 NPR analysis echoes worries that “tempting but unproven” scans may divert resources from evidence-based prevention [2].
How much does a full body scan cost?
| Provider | Modality | Scan Time | Price (USD) | Insurance?* | Notable Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prenuvo | MRI | 55–75 min | $2,499 | Rarely covered (FSA/HSA OK) | 3-D organ heat-maps |
| Ezra | MRI ± CT chest | 30–60 min | $1,350 – $2,695 | Rarely covered (FSA/HSA OK) | App-based portal |
| Superior Body Scan | Low-dose CT | <10 min | $700 – $1,300 | Rarely covered (FSA/HSA OK) | Coronary calcium emphasis |
| BodySpec | DEXA | <10 min | $40 – $60 | Rarely covered (FSA/HSA OK) | Body-comp & bone density |
Preventive full-body imaging is seldom reimbursed by insurers. Confirm all up-front and follow-up costs.
For local DEXA pricing see “How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost in 2025?”.
MRI vs CT vs DEXA: Coverage and use cases
| Imaging Modality | Best-Seen Organs / Metrics | Typical Scan Time | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-Body MRI | Brain, liver, pancreas, prostate/ovaries, spine, joints | 45–90 min | High-risk cancer syndromes; detailed soft-tissue survey |
| Low-Dose CT | Lungs, coronary arteries, skeletal lesions | 5–10 min | Rapid trauma, coronary calcium scoring, smoker lung check |
| DEXA Body Composition | Visceral fat, body-fat %, lean mass, bone density | 6–10 min | Weight-loss tracking, metabolic health, osteoporosis risk |
“Whole-body MRI can be lifesaving for a tiny subset of high-risk patients, but for most people it mainly uncovers incidental findings,” notes Dr. Melissa Chen, MD Anderson neuroradiologist [1].
Who should (or shouldn’t) consider a full body scan?
| Scenario | Recommended Imaging | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed high-risk cancer syndrome (e.g., Li-Fraumeni, prior BRCA-related cancer) | Whole-body MRI | Early detection may outweigh incidental-finding risk. |
| Current smoker aged 50+ | Low-dose CT chest (lung-cancer screen) | USPSTF B-grade shows mortality benefit. |
| Average-risk adult seeking longevity metrics | Annual DEXA + guideline cancer screens | Low cost, low risk, focuses on modifiable metabolic data. |
| “Peace-of-mind” healthy adult | Shared decision with PCP—often not MRI/CT | ACPM [5] & ACR [4] discourage routine scans in asymptomatic adults. |
Example testing scenarios
Patricia (45) – Proactive peace-of-mind seeker
After a friend’s cancer scare, Patricia paid for a whole-body MRI. A tiny liver lesion triggered weeks of testing before proving benign—anxiety-inducing and costly. She now pairs standard screenings with twice-yearly BodySpec DEXA scans to track visceral-fat and bone-density trends—metrics she can directly influence.
Alex (55) – Managing hereditary cancer risk
Genetic testing revealed Lynch syndrome. Under oncologist guidance, Alex alternates whole-body MRI every two years with targeted scopes, and he uses DEXA to ensure lean-mass retention while training.
Tim (32) – Data-driven health enthusiast
Tim tried a flashy 60-minute MRI but found the PDF report unwieldy. For $60, a quarterly BodySpec DEXA gives him downloadable results that slot neatly into his personal dashboard. He saves MRI for milestone birthdays and relies on frequent, actionable DEXA data the rest of the year.
FAQs
Does a full-body MRI detect lung cancer?
MRI can miss sub-4 mm lung nodules that CT easily catches. That’s why low-dose CT is the USPSTF-backed lung-cancer screen for high-risk adults.
How often should I repeat a full-body MRI or CT?
No major medical body recommends annual scans for average-risk adults. Timing should be individualized with your physician.
Can a DEXA scan replace full-body imaging?
No. DEXA excels at body composition and bone-health assessment—not tumor detection. It’s best viewed as a complementary metabolic tracker.
Will insurance reimburse a preventive full-body scan?
Rarely. Some FSA/HSA funds apply. Verify before scheduling.
Bottom line & next steps
Whole-body MRI or CT may suit select high-risk individuals, but the average person often gains more by tracking metrics they can control—body fat, visceral fat, and bone density—at a fraction of the cost and radiation. Ready to measure what matters? Book a BodySpec DEXA scan in minutes and start optimizing your health data today.
References
- DeMarco C. (2023). Should you get a full-body scan to look for cancer? MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Doggett L. (2024). Full-body scans miss the mark when it comes to improving U.S. health. NPR.
- Kwee R.M., Kwee T.C. (2019). Whole-body MRI for preventive health screening: A systematic review. J Magn Reson Imaging, 50(5), 1489–1503.
- American College of Radiology. (2023). Statement on Whole Body CT Screening.
- American College of Preventive Medicine. (2023). Letter from the President: Healthcare—Too Much and Not Enough!
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2023). Lung Cancer: Screening.
