Brisbane Radiology
Last update: 08 Aug 2025
Preface
With the increase in popularity of full-body MRI, it is important for individuals to understand that not all full-body MRI screening scans are the same.
At minimum, full-body MRI providers should be able to to perform clinically meaningful DWIBS and reported by a radiologist with experience in multi-organ oncology MRI reads. Without this, the scan loses its screening value, and increases risk of indeterminate or false positives. At worse, false-reassurance at the cost of a pretty penny.
As discussed here, providers operating a 3T platform are at the greatest risk of poor DWIBS, particularly through the neck, chest and upper abdomen, as well as challenges in signal loss on other sequences.
Summary
Brisbane Radiology is located in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Queensland. This relatively new Australian-based provider boasts full-body MRIs performed on an advanced 3T Philips MRI scanner.
Not a lot of information is publicly available on the imaging capabilities, scan regions or conditions detected. Based on their website, the advertised scan time for full-body MRI is average in length taking approximately 60 minutes. The website provides additional information about how MRI works, and that this scan is performed without the use of contrast dye (called gadolinium) in line with the industry standards.
Conditions Detected
For an individual to make informed decisions, it is important to understand what is covered and what is not. This is ultimately a reflection of technical capabilities. The information sheet provided on enquiry late 2024 lists potential conditions detected during this full-body screening test.
In summary, this scan may detect cancerous lesions including solid organ cancers of the chest, abdomen and pelvis 10mm or larger, with the ability to differentiate between malignancy, benign conditions such as cyst, haematoma and haemangiomas. Head, neck and bone and connective tissue tumours are also seen; however, this document doesn’t provide degree of sensitivity for these regions.
According to the information available, this scan is also capable of detecting other life-limiting conditions such as neurological conditions (e.g. MS) and aneurysms.
The concern MRIQ has is that this provider is making sensitivity claims particularly though the chest (and neck) regarding detection of cancerous lesions on a 3T machine. It is notoriously difficult to optimise full-body DWI at higher magnetic strengths, such as 3T, to maintain diagnostic quality particularly to the neck and cardio-thoracic areas. Only time will tell.
Technology
Brisbane Radiology uses a Philips 3T machine. Unique to only a few providers, Brisbane offers an in-bore audiovisual experience with the ability to stream video during the scan.
Cost
At the time of writing, this scan is $2200.00 AUD. Compared to other true full-body MRI providers, this is on the more affordable end from an upfront end, but true value stems from capabilities and included health data.
Patient Experience
As mentioned previously, this provider offers video and music streaming during the scan.
Google reviews speak highly of the clinics aesthetic, beautiful and non-medical with an average of 4.7 star Google Review. Of the 22 reviews at the time of writing, none were for full-body MRI service.
Brisbane Radiology are accepting individuals without a doctor referral, but ask that the individual nominates an AHPRA registered medical doctor to receive the results.
Reporting and Radiologist
Report provided is of typical nature. Interestingly, the radiologist reporting at the time was based interstate at another clinic (2024), which was a sub-specialist musculoskeletal radiologist with noted interest in sports injury and rheumatoid arthritis. There is little online evidence of suitable multi-organ oncology experience as recommended by ONCO-RADS guidelines. Furthermore, communication of findings through structured reporting using ONCO-RADS does not appear to be apart of their previous workflow
Screening confidence hinges on the joint effort between image quality and radiologist confidence, with appears to be sub-optimal at Brisbane Radiology.
Compare
This service provider is included in the comparison variable for 3T providers including comparing scan time and cost.
At the time of writing, one set of patient images and report for this full-body service provider have been reviewed by MRIQ express consent from the scanned individual. See images with commentary in the Case Studies.
To facilitate comparison; MRIQ has developed a weighting tool of the 5 most important things to look for in a full-body MRI provider. To see the table, and comparisons - please visit our Comparisons Page.
Brisbane Radiology scored 4.9 out of 19, missing out on highly weighted DWIBS and Radiologist Experience.
| Criterion | Weight (out of 19) | Score (0–10) | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWIBS & Imaging Capabilities | 5 | 2 | 1.0 |
| Radiologist Experience & Reporting | 4 | 1 | 0.4 |
| Comprehensive Imaging | 4 | 2 | 0.8 |
| Patient Experience | 3 | 5 | 0.9 |
| Transparency & Clarity | 3 | 4 | 1.2 |
| Total | 4.9 / 19 |
MRIQ Recommendation
Score: 4.9 / 19. Other SE-QLD providers such as high-scoring Mermaid Beach Radiology may be preferred over this provider.
While this provider offers an above average patient experience with beautiful facilities and in-bore audiovisuals, the image quality and radiologist experience leaves much to be desired. The purpose of full-body MRI for asymptomatic individuals is for early detection. This sub-optimal imaging and radiologist experience in question, the value of this scan may only provide false-reassurance.