MRI Whole Spine Screening: Purpose, Results & Cost [2024]
What is MRI Whole Spine Screening?
MRI whole spine screening is a painless and non-invasive test that helps in the preliminary study of the entire spine. Doctors use it to visualise the muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, blood vessels, and nerves of the spine and the area surrounding the spinal cord. Screening is generally faster and cheaper than a detailed study of the whole spine.
MRI Whole spine screening cost ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 in India. The actual prices will depend on the machine quality (1.5/3 Tesla) and MRI centre.
Bookmerilab partner with 50+ MRI centres and provides up to 50% discount on MRI whole spine screening.
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) whole spine screening uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate a detailed spine image.
Because an MRI does not involve radiation, it differs from a CAT scan (also known as a CT scan or a computed axial tomography scan).
The detailed image of the spine is beneficial for the doctors to see any underlying disease. MRI is the best imaging technology available to detect any abnormalities in the spine.
Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | MRI Whole Spine, Whole Spine Screening, MRI Screening of Whole Spine, Whole Spine MRI |
| Purpose | Birth Defects, Injury in Disc and Ligaments, Compression of the Spinal Cord, Abnormal Growth |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required |
| Fasting | No |
| Machine Used | MRI Machine (Minimum 1.5 Tesla Preferable) |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 |
Purpose of MRI Whole Spine
The purpose of MRI whole spine is to detect –
- Structure and alignment of the spine
- Congenital disabilities in the spine
- Trauma or any injury in the disc and ligaments
- Compression of the nerves and spinal cord
- Infection in any part of the spinal cord
- Abnormal growth in the spinal cord, vertebrae
- The problem in the disc and joints
- To plan specific certain procedures such as steroid injections, spinal fusion.
- Monitor the ongoing treatment of the spine or check the changes in the spine after surgery
- Detect the cause of paralysis
MRI Brain with Whole Spine Screening
The spinal cord and brain are integral parts of our body. Thus, many spine problems may have their origin in the brain. Therefore, doctors often recommend an MRI brain scan with full spine screening.
This study provides a complete picture of the problem and aid in a better diagnosis by the doctor.
MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is a new method that uses magnetic resonance imaging to assess blood flow via arteries in a noninvasive (no skin piercing) manner. MRA can also detect aneurysms and vascular anomalies within the brain (abnormalities of blood vessels within the brain, spinal cord, or other body parts).
Another noninvasive approach used to examine chemical imbalances in body tissues, such as the brain, is magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). MRS can be used to evaluate conditions such as brain HIV infection, stroke, head injury, coma, Alzheimer’s disease, tumours, and multiple sclerosis.
Why is an MRI spine better than an X-ray and CT scan?
The spine is a complex and sensitive area of our body, just like the brain. Minor abnormality or injury to the spine and tissues can deteriorate the whole nervous system. X-rays do not provide a detailed picture of the sensitive area.
CT scan provides a detailed picture of spine bones, but an MRI scan can better visualise spinal blood vessels. In addition to this, MRI is more cost-effective than a CT scan test.
MRI is superior at differentiating between normal and abnormal soft tissue, and it may be performed instead of computed tomography (CT) in circumstances when organs or soft tissue are under investigation.
Check MRI Whole Spine Screening Cost in India
In India, an MRI whole spine screening costs range from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000. The price of an MRI scan depends on the type of scan (cervical, dorsal or lumbar), the machine quality (1.5 or 3 Tesla), and the MRI centre.
BookmeriLab has partnered with more than 50 MRI centres across India. We offer MRI whole spine screening at an affordable starting price of Rs 2996. The table below shows the cost of an MRI whole spine screening in major cities.
| City Name | Cost Range |
| Delhi | Rs 4500 to Rs 9000 |
| Gurgaon | Rs 4500 to Rs 8000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 4350 to Rs 12000 |
| Chennai | Rs 4500 to Rs 8500 |
| Mumbai | Rs 2000 to Rs 8700 |
| Bangalore | Rs 4500 to Rs 7500 |
MRI Whole Spine Screening Prices at Popular MRI Centres
The MRI whole spine screening prices at some of the Popular diagnostic centres in India are listed below
| City Name | Cost Range |
| Aarthi Scan | Rs 4500 |
| Prima Diagnostic | Rs 7500 |
| Lucid Diagnostics | Rs 5350 |
| Shree Krishna Diagnostics | Rs 12000 |
| Pulse Imaging | Rs 2000 |
| Vijaya Diagnostic | Rs 4500 |
| House of Diagnostics | Rs 4000 |
| Kanva Diagnostic | Rs 6500 |
Procedure for MRI Whole Spine Screening
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner consists of a giant doughnut-shaped magnet with a tube in the centre. The procedure for MRI spine can be performed on an outpatient basis. The entire MRI procedure is non-invasive & painless. You may feel a little warm on the area to be scanned.
The procedure of MRI whole spine is as given below –
- our healthcare provider will ask you to lie on the sliding table
- The technician may take certain measures to keep the body still and maintain the required position
- Sometimes, contrast material helps for detecting infection, tumours, or disc problems after surgery
- The contrast material used is injected through veins in the arms
- The sliding table is then moved into the MRI machine to screen the whole spine
- While the procedure is on, the radiologist will record the findings on the computer
- The entire process may take 30-60 minutes, depending upon the part of the spine.
The technician generates the report from the computer. The radiologist studies the scan from various angles.
Preparation for MRI whole spine
- Wear loose-fitting clothes without any metals attached.
- Remove all your jewellery and other accessories before getting the MRI scan.
- Take your usual medicines and foods as normal unless your doctor instructs you.
- Report any allergic reaction and any medical conditions. Some health problems such as kidney disease require different contrast materials.
- In case of contrast MRI, your doctor may advise you to get a blood test to check the function of the kidney.
- Inform your doctor about any metal implant in your body.
Result Interpretation
Check out the MRI scan sample for normal vs abnormal MRI whole spine screening. Given below is an MRI scan showing injury in the cervical spine.
Side Effects of MRI Scan
This test is safer in comparison to CT scan and x-ray. It is preferred over other scanning tests
- If you are claustrophobic, you may feel uncomfortable inside the machine while scanning.
- Though rare, there are chances of an allergic reaction if contrast material is used.
Limitations of MRI whole spine
- A weighty person may not fit in the MRI machine.
- Irregular heartbeat and patient movement might affect the quality of the scan.
- Patients who are seriously injured are generally not recommended to take an MRI scan.
- Pregnant women must avoid MRI unless recommended by the doctor.
Conclusion
MRI whole spine screening is beneficial in diagnosing and treating problems related to the spine. It provides detailed and very accurate results used by the doctors to make an appropriate treatment plan.
MRI Whole Spine Screening FAQs
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.