Your four screening tests
What each scan looks for.
01
Comprehensive MRI health screen
What it looks for
Problems in the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine and major bones, such as lumps, bulging blood vessels (aneurysms) and past “silent” strokes.
What happens
You lie still in the scanner. It makes loud knocking noises, so earplugs are provided.
Keep in mind
Less detailed than an MRI of one body part. It does not replace a lung CT for small spots, and does not reliably find stomach or bowel cancer.
02
Low-dose CT lung scan
What it looks for
Lung cancer, small spots on the lung (nodules), lung damage often caused by smoking (emphysema) and other lung disease.
What happens
You lie on the CT table and hold your breath for a few seconds. No injection.
Keep in mind
Small spots are common and most are harmless, but some need a repeat scan to be sure.
03
CT coronary calcium score
What it looks for
Calcium build-up in the heart’s arteries, a sign of heart artery disease that helps estimate your future risk of a heart attack.
What happens
Small stickers go on your chest to track your heartbeat, and you hold your breath briefly. No injection.
Keep in mind
A score of zero lowers your risk but does not remove it, as soft plaque does not show. It does not show how narrow an artery is.
04
Carotid Doppler ultrasound
What it looks for
Fatty build-up (plaque) and narrowing in the neck arteries that carry blood to the brain. These are linked to stroke risk.
What happens
Warm gel and a small handheld probe are moved gently over your neck.
Keep in mind
It does not look at arteries inside the brain or heart. Results are a guide to risk, not a diagnosis.
The CT coronary calcium score and carotid Doppler ultrasound are also part of our Foundational Health Assessment Plus, together with VO₂ max testing and a personalised plan from your GP. Explore Foundational Plus →
Is screening right for me?
It may suit you if you
- Feel well and want a health check
- Have a family history of heart disease, stroke or cancer
- Smoke, or have high blood pressure or cholesterol
- Want a starting point to compare with later
It is not suitable if you
- Have new or unexplained symptoms (see your GP first)
- Are being checked for a known cancer (your specialist does this)
- Are or may be pregnant (CT scans)
- Have an implant that is not MRI safe (MRI scan)
Screening is for adults aged 18 and over.
Comprehensive MRI health screen
What it can pick up.
Many people know this as a whole-body MRI. We call it our comprehensive MRI health screen because it covers the main areas of the body in one visit (about 60 minutes, with no radiation), rather than every part in full detail. It looks for early signs of problems in people who feel well.
Brain
Growths, bulging blood vessels (aneurysms) and past “silent” strokes.
Major blood vessels
Bulging of the body’s main artery (aortic aneurysm).
Liver, kidneys and pancreas
Lumps, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) and fatty liver.
Spine
Disc wear and tear and narrowing around the nerves.
Major bones
Unusual areas that may need a closer look.
Neck, chest and pelvis
Changes in the thyroid, glands, ovaries, uterus or prostate.
Most findings are harmless. A finding is not a diagnosis. Your doctor will explain what it means and whether you need any more tests.
What to expect from your MRI results
Most people have at least one finding, and most are harmless.
Studies of healthy adults suggest that for every 100 people screened:
About 32
have something that is checked further
About 13
have that finding confirmed by more tests
1–2
are found to have a cancer they did not know about
A false positive is when a test suggests a problem that is not really there. A false negative is when a test misses a problem that is there. A normal result does not guarantee good health, so always see your doctor about any new symptoms.
Sources: Kwee RM, Kwee TC. Whole-body MRI for preventive health screening: a systematic review of the literature. J Magn Reson Imaging 2019;50:1489–1503 (12 studies, 5,373 adults). Martins de Fonseca J, et al. Whole-body MRI for opportunistic cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2025 (10 studies, over 9,000 adults).
Your screening journey
From first conversation to clear answers.
Your Phoenix doctor guides you at every stage, and our team takes care of the arrangements in between.
- 1
Step one
See your Phoenix doctor
Talk about your health, choose your tests, sign the consent form and get your referral.
- 2
Step two
We arrange your scans
Our team arranges your scans on your behalf. You complete any required safety forms and receive preparation instructions.
- 3
Step three
Have your scans
Most tests can be done in one visit. You can go back to normal activities straight away.
- 4
Step four
Your scans are reported
A specialist radiologist reads your scans and sends the results to your doctor. Urgent findings are phoned through straight away.
- 5
Step five
Review your results
Your doctor explains your results and arranges any follow-up. With your OK, a copy goes to your regular GP.
Getting ready
- Follow the food, drink and caffeine instructions you are given when you book.
- Keep taking your usual medicines, and bring a list of them.
- Tell the team if you have any implant, pacemaker or metal in your body, have worked with metal, feel anxious in small spaces, or may be pregnant.
- Wear comfortable clothes without metal, and leave jewellery and valuables at home.
- Bring your referral, Medicare card and any previous scans or reports.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to fill in paperwork.
This information is general only and does not replace advice from your doctor.