Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 3.0T whole-body MRI include diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI/ADC)?
DWI is included for the head, abdomen and pelvis in all three packages. It is not included for the limb areas (knee, shoulder, hip, ankle). DWI can be added to an individual area for US$30 per area, charged separately — tell us when you book. For the spine and the other regions in the Advanced and Premium packages, ask us before you book and we will confirm with the hospital. (Clinical details on this page were given to us by the radiology department at Taikang Qianhai Hospital in September 2026 and apply to the 3.0T package only; prices are SinoCareLink's.)
How thin are the slices for brain and abdominal imaging?
Abdomen: 3 mm. Brain: 6 mm.
Is the brain scan a dedicated brain MRI, or a quick whole-body sequence?
The brain MRI uses sequences designed specifically for brain imaging, rather than a quick pass taken from a whole-body screening sequence.
Can I have a dedicated prostate MRI?
Yes. The hospital can perform a dedicated prostate MRI. It is not a standard part of the whole-body packages: you can add it on top of your package for US$150, or book it on its own for US$200. A full multiparametric protocol with contrast is a different examination; if your doctor has asked for one, tell us before you book and we will check with the hospital.
Are the liver and pancreas scanned with dedicated sequences?
The liver and pancreas are covered in the upper-abdomen MRI. The abdominal scan uses 3 mm slices, and the liver is also scanned at 3 mm; the hospital regards this as a dedicated protocol for these organs within the abdominal examination.
Is gadolinium contrast used?
No. The hospital does not use gadolinium contrast for health-screening scans. If contrast-enhanced imaging is clinically indicated, it would be considered separately; it is not part of the package and is quoted separately.
Who reads the scans?
The hospital tells us the scans are reviewed and reported by radiologists with experience in oncologic imaging or whole-body MRI, rather than by general screening radiologists.
Do these answers apply to the 1.5T package as well?
Not necessarily. They describe the 3.0T package at Taikang Qianhai Hospital. The 1.5T package is performed at a separate outpatient imaging clinic with its own protocol (non-contrast, without DWI). For how the two compare, see 1.5T vs 3.0T MRI: which one do you need?