Why Have a Preventative Examination?

We  use precautionary measures in our daily life e.g. we regularly  service our cars and heating systems in order to keep them in tip top condition so why not do the same with the most important asset we have – our own body.

Many illnesses such as cancer and heart disease are not discovered before it is too late. A preventative examination makes it possible to detect abnormalities and diseases at an early stage, significantly increasing survival rates and chances for full recovery.

The majority of our patients are given the reassurance and peace of mind that they are looking for. In other patients, however, we may find a condition at its early stage and are then able to provide their doctor with important and valuable information, so that correct treatment can be initiated.

A preventative examination makes it possible to detect abnormalities and diseases at an early stage making it possible to initiate treatment before its too late, significantly increasing survival rates and chances for a full recovery.

Some patients present with a pre-existing condition or if they are concerned about their health due to family history of genetic diseases for example, and others want to safeguard their health and well-being. It is not to arouse anxiety of one's health status.

What to Expect from Your Scan:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of cross-sections of the body millimetre by millimetre. The scan will take approx 40 minutes per area and approx 1 hour 45mins for the total body scan. The procedure is a painless experience and the advantage of MRI is that no harmful radiation is used, which means almost any part of the body can be scanned.

Why Have an MRI Scan?

The most precise and least stressful way of detecting tumours, heart defects and other serious conditions is by using MRI Scan

MRI skull and brains

Examination of:

• arteriosclerosis of those vessels that can be the cause of a cerebral infarct

• Aneurisms

• Benign and malignant tumours

• Cerebral atrophy

MRI of blood vessels to the brain (Carotid)

Examination of:

• Arteriosclerosis and stenoses of the arteries that can cause a brain infarct.

MRI of the upper abdomen is done in order to exclude tumours in the liver, pancreas, kidneys and gall bladder, and to exclude presence of renal calculus and gall-stones, cysts and enlargement of lymph glands.

An MRI of the lower abdominal organs such as the bladder, prostate (men), uterus and ovaries (women) can also be scanned in order to trace tumours and external changes such as a prolapsed bladder, cysts and enlargement of lymph glands.

A range of Supplementary scans can also be done alone or as part of a Total Body Scan. Eg. Spine and joints.

When is an MRI not Appropriate?

In some cases where an MRI cannot be done it can be replaced by an ultrasound examination. You cannot have an MRI scan if you have any of the following:

The following MRI scans are performed without injection of contrast medium.

If contrast medium is required, the patient will need to attend a second MRI scan appointment.

This will be charged as shown in Option 2 in the pricing guide below.

1) Overview of Health Check MRI scanning:

i) The Brain

• Brain - To demonstrate neurovascular, cerebrovascular (including MS) and neoplastic diseases

• Carotids - To demonstrate stenosis

• Circle of Willis - To demonstrate stenosis or aneurysm

ii) The Abdomen

• Overview of abdominal organs e.g. liver and kidneys

• To demonstrate neoplastic disease (e.g. liver metastases)

• Bowel is not well demonstrated

iii) The Pelvis

• Male - overview of pelvic contents and prostate

• Female - overview of pelvic contents to demonstrate gynaecological malignancy and cysts etc

2) Pricing:

The cost for a Supreme Health Screening package will be the cost of the scan PLUS the cost of the Health screening packages. SEE LIST.

NOTE:

The scanning takes place at The Enfield Alliance MRI Centre on Chase Farm Hospitals Site, Enfield.

A consent form and questionnaire are required to be completed prior to scanning. This is mandatory. Also see Terms and Conditions.