Most of us know what an X-ray does—it takes an image of our bones. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a different imaging modality. It's an imaging technology that creates detailed, three-dimensional pictures of soft tissues, organs and structures without the use of ionizing radiation.

Understanding how it works helps explain its role in medical imaging and why it’s a useful tool for health assessments.

How MRI technology works

The human body is composed of roughly 60 per cent water, which is present in blood, organs, muscles and the brain. Water molecules contain hydrogen atoms that, when exposed to a strong magnetic field from an MRI scanner, align in a specific direction throughout your body.

During a scan, the machine emits radiofrequency pulses that temporarily alter the alignment of these hydrogen atoms. When the pulses are turned off, the atoms return to their original state, emitting signals in the process. A computer captures these signals and translates them into detailed cross-sectional images of the body's internal anatomy.

What can MRI actually tell you?

Traditionally, MRI is used as a diagnostic tool. When a patient presents with specific symptoms—such as joint pain or signs of a broader health concern—a physician may order an MRI to investigate the cause.

In recent years, elective MRI screening has emerged for individuals without symptoms. Rather than investigating a specific problem, elective screening is used to view the current structural state of:

• Brain structure
• Spinal discs and vertebrae
• Soft tissues, including muscles and ligaments
• Major organs, such as the liver and kidneys

Introducing Total Body MRI at TELUS Health Care Centres in Calgary

We are pleased to offer Total Body MRI—a new private-pay proactive service with full-body imaging across nine body systems cross-referenced with data from 90+ biomarkers, all reviewed with you by a clinician in a 30-minute consultation.

The Total Body MRI experience is designed for comfort. When you arrive, you’ll remove all metal objects and wear a gown. You’ll lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner, which is a large, cylindrical machine. The scanner makes rhythmic knocking and buzzing sounds as it captures images. You can listen to music, watch a movie or enjoy a podcast through headphones to pass the time. You'll have a call button if you need anything. The scan takes approximately an hour.

What Total Body MRI is—and what it isn't

Total Body MRI is intended for individuals who wish to establish a baseline of their internal anatomy. Total Body MRI is an elective service meant only for asymptomatic individuals. If you are currently experiencing pain, fatigue or other concerning symptoms, you should consult your primary care practitioner to access targeted diagnostic imaging through the public health system.

Here's what Total Body MRI does:

• It gives you a head-to-ankles internal health snapshot. You'll see detailed images of nine body systems and your biomarker profile, helping provide a broader picture of your anatomical health in a single assessment.
• It enables the option for year-over-year tracking with a digital dashboard. By choosing to repeat the scan in the future, you can create a personalized visual record that helps you see patterns and uncover potential risks, allowing for ongoing comparisons.
• It could identify unexpected findings. While many incidental findings like small cysts or growths are benign and don't require treatment, discovering them may lead to anxiety and may necessitate further medical evaluation. Should any be found, your TELUS Health clinician provides context during your consultation—explaining what it may mean, whether it needs monitoring, and what your next steps are.

Disclaimers:

*This service is an elective screening tool intended to identify structural variations. It does not definitively diagnose any medical condition, nor is it a replacement for targeted diagnostic testing or routine medical care. Total Body MRI screening is not a substitute for routine medical care, targeted diagnostic testing, or standard provincial screening programs. Please be aware that whole-body scans may identify benign abnormalities that require further medical evaluation, potentially leading to anxiety or unnecessary invasive testing. Always consult with your primary care provider regarding your specific health needs.

*This is an uninsured, private-pay service. Clinical eligibility is determined solely by a qualified healthcare provider based on medical appropriateness, independent of any promotional pricing.