Adelaide MRI
Summary
Adelaide MRI includes three clinics located in Adelaide, South Australia.
This radiology provider offers a “pick-n-choose” style of imaging, that arguably is a misnomer for full-body MRI as advertised on their website. While likely preferred by individuals seeking a lower-entry point, this full-body provider offers 1 hour scan time with the ability to pick regions of interest. This typically includes 4 regions; however, some body parts are worth two scans (e.g. prostate screening) requiring 30 minutes of the 60 minute appointment, further limiting the number of assessments that can be performed in a single visit.
At the time of writing, images from this provider have not been reviewed to provide comparison to other full-body MRI providers. Information below has been determined based on the publicly available. To contribute our our mission, contact us.
Conditions Detected
Because this provider performs targeted imaging of select areas, the ability to detect early cancer or other potentially-life limiting conditions is likely high in the regions scanned. However, while the information available on this page here clearly marketed as a cancer screening, this webpage is a bit more vague whether the offered imaging is intended for cancer detection. We give them the benefit of the doubt, especially considering that they are most likely performing dedicated imaging for each chosen region.
The challenge with this service offering, is that without known risk factors, an individual doesn’t know where their future cancer may appear. Imagine undergoing regular brain, neck, abdomen screening only to develop sarcoma of the ankle.
Technology
At this time, it appears Adelaide MRI use both 1.5T and 3T MRI for their imaging. While 3T typically offers superior soft-tissue imaging, the challenges of full-body MRI at 3T are only experienced when performing a full-body acquisition. These challenges do not apply to this provider as they perform specific targeted imaging instead.
Cost
At the time of writing, Adelaide MRI charge $800.00 AUD for 60 minutes of scan time, offering 2 - 4 regions scanned. In other words, $200 AUD per body region.
From the website, it appears that this 60 minute designation is “multi-modality” time which also includes other scans such as low-dose CT chest and ultrasound breast screening.
Because this is not a true full-body MRI service (similar to Panorama), this provider offers dedicated imaging is cheaper up front. However, misses out on the multi-region, multi-system coverage offered by a other full-body providers.
For example, full-body MRI scans performed by other providers in Queensland, cover all areas listed on the worksheet provided to make region selection in one single scan. The cost ranges between $1500 to $3150 AUD and varies with technology and inclusions. If one was to select all the scan regions on the provided checklist (see here, current as of mid-January 2025), with the assumption that each tick box is $200.00 AUD, it would amount to at least $4000.00 out of pocket. Factoring the information on their website, some scans within the abdomen are equivalent to two scans or require 30 minutes to evaluate. This brings the final total to $5000.00 AUD for nearly equivalent anatomical and conditions coverage. It is important to note that this amount does not include lung screening, or any pelvic / reproductive organs typically covered to by other full-body MRI providers.
Mid-february correspondence with the reception team has confirmed that brain, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis is $1000.00 ($200.00 per region) which includes cancer screening
Experience
Like all screening, this scan is intended to be performed regularly to complement other screening tests recommended by your doctor. However, returning for a subsequent scan is very much dependent on patient experience.
During the 60 minute scan session, Adelaide MRI clinics offer music through headphones. This is on par with most other clinics.
The clinics themselves score between 3.3 - 4.2 stars on Google for customer experience. This is average for similar service providers.
At the time of writing, there is no information publicly available for preparation requirements with regards to their Whole Body MRI service. Based on what is common for other dedicated imaging, there is likely some preparation for any abdominal imaging.
Compare
Although Adelaide MRI advertise their service as a “whole-body MRI”, MRIQ has not included this provider in the comparisons as it is a fundamentally different service from true full-body providers.
If you have full-body images you would like to be reviewed or contribute to the MRIQ project, please contact us.
MRIQ Recommendation
Adelaide MRI receives points for offering information available online, in an easy to read format which gives individuals some information on what is involved in the scan.
Unless you have a specific area that you are concerned about, this full-body service is not the most cost effective for a general whole-body screening scan in asymptomatic low-risk individuals.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is based on factual data available publicly, professional experience, and insights gained from working within radiology alongside experts in the field. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and reliability, the content reflects my own professional opinions and experience. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical concerns or decisions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. If you have any complaints, corrections, or feedback of any kind, please contact us.