Approximately what percentage of customers get an "all-clear" result?

Nearly all of us have abnormalities and findings. For example, as a generation of people who spend a lot of time sitting (using computers, cell phones, watching tv) we diagnose some degree of spine degeneration in almost everyone. Many of us have benign findings that are useful to be aware of when we are healthy so that they are not mistaken for something more serious later on. Importantly, less than 5% of customers receive “life-altering” news.

Are there size or weight restrictions for doing a Revoscan?

Our Open Bore MRI accommodates up to 550 pounds (249 Kg).

Can I be scanned if I have an implantable infusion pump?

It depends on the model. Some infusion pumps are MRI compatible. Regardless, we check the MRI safety of all devices. We will need to know the model before your scan.

Can I have an MRI if I have a cochlear implant?

It depends on the type of implant you have, so we would need to have more information about it. Even if it is safe to perform an MRI, the implant will likely affect the quality of imaging that we can do of the head.

Can I have an MRI if I have an IUD?

Yes. Almost all IUDs are MRI-safe. Regardless, we check the MRI safety of all devices. Common MRI-safe IUDs are the Mirena and the Copper T.

Can I have an MRI if I have an intracranial aneurysm clip?

It depends on the type of clip that has been implanted, so we would need to have more information about it. MRI can be performed safely in patients with non-ferromagnetic aneurysm clips.

Can I have an MRI if I have fillings or gold teeth?

Yes. This is completely safe.

Can I have an MRI if I worked in the metal industry?

If there is a chance that there are metal fragments in your body, particularly in the eyes, we will require a quick x-ray to ensure that it is safe for you to do a scan. The X-ray can be ordered if you contact us a week or two before your scan.

Do dental implants get affected by MRIs?

No. It is safe to have an MRI with dental implants. For image quality, we will ask you to remove dentures if they are on a metallic plate.

Do you use contrast in your MRIs?

We never offer contrast on any of Revoscan. We believe the combination of sequences that we take performs as well as contrast-enhanced MRI for tumor detection.

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment right here on the website by clicking “Book your Ravoscan” on the top right corner of this page. You can also give us a call at +41 22 344 44 42 or send us an email at info@revoscan.ch.

How effective is the Revoscan for breast cancer versus mammography?

Mammography remains the gold standard screening test for breast cancer. Mammography and Revoscan compliment each other. Mammography is capable of seeing small micro-calcifications in the breast that MRI does not see. Although breast calcifications are often noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes and fine appearances may indicate breast cancer or precancerous changes to breast tissue. Our MRI scan, on the other hand, demonstrates positive results in visualizing breast cancer through dense breast tissue, which mammograms can be less effective.

If I do a Revoscan do I still need to do a colonoscopy?

While unpleasant, a colonoscopy is a very good examination of the colon. It is used to see and remove precancerous polyps before they have the opportunity to develop into cancer. On occasion, a colonoscopy may not be able to visualize all the way through the colon. Similarly, Revoscan may not always see small polyps in the colon as they will be mixed in with the stool. We can see colon cancer once it has entered the colon wall (still Stage 1). So it is worth thinking of Revoscan as a backup to a colonoscopy, not as a replacement for it.

Is a CT or MRI better at finding tumors in screening?

MRI. As a screening exam, a CT cannot use contrast. In this context, a CT scan has a problem differentiating tumors. This is because a CT focuses on density. The density of a tumor is not greatly different from the density of a benign lesion such as a cyst, but has a vastly different significance. A CT scan can miss many tumors and equally concerning, can more often lead to additional testing when it is unnecessary. Importantly, CT scans cannot accurately assess breast tumors or liver tumors. CT scans also use radiation, while MRI does not.

Is Revoscan covered by the health insurance?

Not at this time. We are at the cutting edge of revolutionizing whole body screening. While many studies are showing the effectiveness of whole body MRI, no public facility is conducting these examinations. It might take years, unfortunately, for healthcare plans to cover preventative MRI scans. Many of our members have been able to get full or partial reimbursement throught their insurance/extendend insurance providers. We recommend you check with your provider to confirm coverage.

Is your scan more accurate than a PET scan?

Due to the radiation dose used, PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography) is rarely used to screen for cancer. PET-CT is expensive and subjects you to both gamma and X-ray radiation. The PET portion of PET-CT uses gamma radiation to detect the metabolic activity of a tumor. The CT portion obtains many X-ray images which are overlaid on the PET images to assist in determining the exact location of the tumor in the body. PET has limited use in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder because the radioactive injection is excreted through the urinary system and is highly concentrated in these areas during the scan. Revoscan does not have these issues and is more sensitive than PET-CT for tumors of the urinary system.

What is the difference between an ultrasound and an MRI?

It is difficult to compare ultrasound to MRI. There are a few areas where ultrasound really shines — notably in confirming kidney stones because MRI is less able to see these small calcifications in the kidneys. But ultrasound suffers from a poor field of vision (kind of like shining a light under the water, where the depth of field can be a bit murky) which means that it sometimes misses things. A good example was an ovarian cyst we found recently in a woman that received a normal ultrasound because the cyst was likely confused with a section of the bowel. An MRI is a completely different modality. It is three-dimensional so if you see something of interest, you know exactly what organ it is in. And we don’t just take run-of-the-mill MRIs. We take many different tissue weightings which means, not only can we determine that “something is there” but we can distinguish if that something is a cyst, abscess, or solid tumor.

Why don't you image the heart in great detail?

We don’t image the heart in great detail because of the time it takes to do a good cardiac study. A good cardiac study takes around 40 minutes and this would not include images of the coronary arteries.

Are the radio waves used in the MRI safe?

Yes. MRI radio waves are generally safe in a controlled environment such as an MRI. Cell phones also use radio waves. Cellphones are allowed to heat the head to 1.6 watts per kilogram. MRI is allowed to heat 3.2 watts per kilogram. By this extension, if you are comfortable speaking on your cell phone for 1200 minutes per year (120 mins per month) then you can have 9 Revoscan per year.

Can I be scanned if I have a pacemaker?

Unfortunately at this time, we are unable to scan people with pacemakers. There is a risk that the MRI magnetic fields will disrupt its operation, and we don’t want that.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

Yes, you can book an appointment for another person. However you will need to give us that person’s details, and we will need to contact them in order to get their patient history and ensure that the scan is appropriate for them.

Can I do an MRI if I am pregnant (or think I might be pregnant)?

No detrimental effects have been shown to have occurred due to having an MRI when pregnant. There is, however, a risk of causing hearing problems in the fetus. MRI can also increase the amniotic fluid temperature. Therefore, we avoid performing an MRI when you are pregnant unless your referring doctor decides the benefit of the MRI outweighs the potential risks associated with having the scan.

Can I have an MRI if I have a prosthetic implant?

There are many different types of implants. We will need to know more about what you have. The good news is that almost all implants are MRI-safe. There is a chance the implant will affect the images we can get from the surrounding tissues.

Can I have an MRI if I have an implanted neurostimulator?

It depends on the model. Some neurostimulators have an MRI mode that they can be put into before the scan. We will need to know the model before your scan.

Can I have an MRI if I have tattoos?

Yes, people with tattoos can be scanned. There is a small chance of warming in the area of the tattoo but this very rarely occurs. Please inform staff before entering the MRI so we are aware.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. You must have a referral to have a Revoscan. If you require, we can arrange a referral from an independent medical practitioner at no cost to you. It may seem like an unnecessary requirement, but it exists to look after you in the event there is a serious medical finding. A medical practitioner can assist you in understanding and contextualizing any finding.

Does your MRI use radiation?

No. All MRIs are radiation-free.

How can you detect Alzheimer's disease?

We do a very detailed examination of the brain in our Comprehensive Revoscan. We use this in three ways. First, if you have advanced Alzheimer’s it will be visible in the images of your brain. Second, using detailed MRI images of segments of the brain, we can start to see the loss of tissue in concerning areas of the temporal lobes which is indicative of Alzheimer’s. Third, we use the images from your first scan as a baseline for your brain volume and then can compare this to your next reading taken when you come in for future scans. Any changes in brain volume will be apparent. If you are concerned about having Alzheimer’s, we suggest you also undergo a clinical cognitive assessment.

I arrived and found out I am claustrophobic. Can I get my money back?

In all cases, if you arrive and cannot proceed with the scan we will refund your money.

If you don't image the heart in great detail, what can you tell me about my heart disease risk?

We can’t tell you if you have a blocked artery in the heart, a Cardiac CT Angiogram (CCTA) is much better at showing this. If you are concerned about your coronary arteries, then your doctor should request a “Calcium Score” (non contrast CT) or a “CCTA” (contrast CT). However, Revoscan scan can look for evidence of atherosclerotic disease, the cause of most heart attacks, in other parts of the body. The most common place we find this is the brain. If we find advanced small vessel ischemic changes in the brain then there is a high probability of having atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries of the heart.

Is there an age you recommend people be screened by/around?

Ultimately, the choice comes down to you. If you have a strong family history of cancer or major disease then a Revoscan at a younger age makes sense. The incidence of cancer goes up with age, starting at approximately 40 years old. However, cancer that develops at a younger age, while less common, tends to be more aggressive. A Revoscan at any age is helpful, especially in establishing a baseline for your health.

What if I need special accommodations for my appointment?

We are happy to do our best to accommodate you. Please give us a call at +41 22 344 44 42 to discuss your needs.

What specific sequences do you use in Revoscan?

We perform a comprehensive set of protocols that image the entire body. These include brain quantification, arterial assessment, fat quantification as well as dedicated cancer and spinal screening. Our custom tailored whole body MRI protocol is based on MRI tissue-contrasts based on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, Fat-suppressed and non-fat-suppressed, and DWI techniques, a combination of evidence-based and emerging technologies that offer the most comprehensive diagnostic imaging in a reasonable time frame.

Will the scan results will be put into my insurer’s medical records?

Not by Revoscan. Our only requirement is to send your medical report to your referring doctor. We do not submit the report to any health or insurance system.

Are there any restrictions on what I can drink on the day of the scan?

No. You can drink water, tea or black coffee. Just bear in mind that, depending on the scan you are taking, you will be in the MRI machine for up to 75 mins, so we recommend that you visit the restroom before going in.

I forgot I had to fast and I ate something. Is it a problem?

If you ate something, don’t worry. This is not a health issue, it is perfectly safe to still have your scan. Depending on how much you ate, it just means that we will have a slightly more obscured view of your stomach and gallbladder.

Can I eat anything on the day of the scan?

We recommend that you fast for 4 hours before your scan so we can take the clearest images of your stomach and gall bladder.

Where do I put my belongings at the clinic?

Your belongings are stored in a safe while you are in the MRI.

I still have questions.

For further information, please get in touch with us.

Can I move when I am on the machine?

We will make you as comfortable as possible for the scan so it should minimize the need to move. However, if you do move, this is not a safety issue. It just affects the quality of the images we can obtain. Part of what makes our scan so accurate is that we image the same tissue in your body a number of different times in different directions and at different tissue weightings. If you move it affects our ability to align all these images and therefore affects the accuracy of our reading.

Is it possible to have a bathroom break during the scan?

In most cases, no. Of course, if it is an emergency we will get you out of there to go to the toilet. But the high accuracy of our Revoscan relies on us imaging the same tissue in your body in a number of different ways, while in the same position. If you need to take a break, once you return you will be in another position. If you think this might be a problem you should limit how much you drink to ensure you can last the duration of the scan.

What if I am claustrophobic?

Our open bore MRI scanner permits much of your scan to be conducted with your head outside of the magnet, greatly easing claustrophobic feelings. Your doctor may prescribe you a sedative depending on your level of claustrophobia. Please arrange the sedative prior to your MRI exam and ensure you have arranged a driver or alternate mode of transportation for getting to, and from, your Revoscan appointment.

What should I do about jewelry or piercings?

The best thing to do is to leave them at home. Jewelry and piercings can be dangerous or interfere with the images we take. If you arrive at the clinic with jewelry or piercings, you will be asked to remove them and store them in your locker.

Will I learn anything on the day of the scan?

Usually, it takes approximately 10-15 days for a radiologist to read and report on your scans. This is because there are up to 2000 images that need to be checked for hundreds of conditions. It is a thorough but time-consuming job. If, on our initial review, we find something particularly concerning, we will expedite your reading.

How should I dress for the scan?

There is no need to dress in a particular way for your scan day. You will be given a set of scrubs (top and bottom) to wear during your scan. You can leave on your underwear.

Is there anything I shouldn't bring into the MRI room?

Any metal, or electronic device can interfere with the exam. Never bring any of the following into the examination room: coins, jewelry, keys, cell phone, watch, hearing aids or other electronic/metal devices. A secure, private room to store your valuables is provided.

What if I have an emergency during the scan?

You will be provided with a squeeze ball at the start of the scan. You can squeeze this at any time to alert the technologist performing your scan.

What should I expect during the scan?

MRI is a harmless, pain-free procedure. The scanner is air-conditioned, well-lit, and you will always be in contact with an MRI technologist through a two-way intercom. The MRI scanner produces thumping and humming noises as it is acquiring the images. We will offer you some headphones or earplugs to reduce the noise. You can also choose to listen to music to help pass the time. We can set a playlist for you, or we can plug in your music, it is up to you! All new locations are also fitted with a TV for you to enjoy during your scan! The technologist who operates the scanner will be observing you from the adjacent room throughout the scan. It is important to remain still when images are being acquired.

Does your clinic retain a copy of the scans and/or store that information?

We follow federal and state/provincial specific legislation for each clinic regarding redention of medical records.

How long does the radiology take to be completed?

We aim to return every customer’s medical report within 10-15 days. Infrequently there are short delays, particularly around the holidays. If we think your report will be delayed we will let you know in advance.

What does the patient report contain?

Your patient report will include information on the different systems, organs, and conditions we screen for including recommendations that will empower both you and your physician to make the best decisions regarding your health.

Does your clinic provide referrals to top specialists and doctors locally and abroad?

We can provide you with some recommendations of specialists who we have previously worked with. Unfortunately, we cannot refer you to a specialist directly. However, we want to collaborate with any of the medical professionals you have and would be happy to work with your doctor to make sure that you are taken care of.

How do your company and the clinic manage any and all information gathered from your clients and or patients?

We are very protective of your information. We strive to be at the forefront of compliance for the security of patient information and adhere to privacy regulations and legislation in the jurisdictions we operate. The confidential information which we store is accessible only by a small number of staff who must have a reason to access the information. Any staff access to patient-identifiable data is logged and stored by the company.

What does the medical report contain?

We produce a detailed medical report for your physician that walks them through every system and organ in the body and identifies any abnormal findings we identify. This is produced in a format that they are familiar with.

What is your clinic’s policy on the protection of privacy for your clients and the person receiving the scans?

Our patient’s privacy and confidentiality are very important to us. We comply with privacy regulations and legislation in the jurisdictions we operate.

Who interprets my images?

6 expert Radiologists to each his speciality and expertise (physicians specially trained in MRI and other radiology examinations, such as X-ray, CT and ultrasound).