More than a check-up. A full body map.

You will be asked to remove any metallic objects or clothing and keep them outside the MRI room. 

We offer entertainment options like Spotify and Netflix, allowing you to listen to music or watch your favorite shows during the exam, helping you relax and making the time pass quickly.

Once inside, you will lie down on a table and we will add coils on top of you that detect the radio waves the scan generates.

We will give you earplugs for the noise, and a headset to hear your music selection and the technologist’s instructions on the two-way intercom.

You will have a pulse oximeter clipped on one of your fingers so we can see your heart rhythm. On your other hand, you will have a squeezable alarm ball in case you want to alert the technologist to any discomfort.

When ready on the table, you will slide into the magnet (which is open at both ends and well ventilated with a fan). We might ask that you close your eyes when we use a weak laser to position you on the table correctly.

While the machine is actively scanning, you will hear loud pulses and clicks, which are minimized with your headset and earplugs.

You will need to lie still for the actual scanning and we will ask you to hold your breath for up to 16 seconds while we are imaging your torso.

Your cell phone and wireless routers at home use higher energy radiation than an MRI does. The Radio-Frequencies (RF) used in MRI are non-ionizing and are therefore significantly more safe than more energetic frequencies used in XRay, CT or PET scanners. RF can be dangerous if you have ferromagnetic implants or clothing/jewelry, as it can heat these up quickly. This is why we do a thorough safety check and also remind you to leave any metal outside of the MRI room.

The exam takes about 75 minutes, however, we recommend allowing for 90 minutes from arrival to departure.

We draw blood for testing and understand that some people find this to be uncomfortable but not very painful. MRIs do not hurt and do not use ionization radiation and we do not give intravenous contrast for our procedure.

To help make your experience as comfortable as possible, we’ve added a few features to our MRI exam process. A gentle fan provides continuous airflow through the machine, creating a cooler and more pleasant environment. You’ll also have a squeezable alarm ball in hand, so you can easily alert the technologist if you experience any discomfort. Additionally, we offer entertainment options like Spotify and Netflix, allowing you to listen to music or watch your favorite shows during the exam, helping you relax and making the time pass quickly.

We do not give intravenous contrast for our MRI procedure.

The Q Exam incorporates FDA-cleared software (Constellation) that uses AI-assisted methods for whole body MR image analysis. Our technology is designed to support our member’s care team in making healthcare decisions for them, not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

The Q Exam is conducted in-person at our Redwood City Clinic in California. We are happy to accommodate busy schedules by offering early morning appointments and out of town members flying into the Bay Area. If you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling, please reach out to hello@q.bio.

Our clinic is open Monday through Friday. We currently offer exams starting at 7:00am, 9:00am, and 11:00am.

We expect results 2-3 weeks after the exam is completed.

Certain conditions, such as metal or electronic implants, can prevent one from having an MRI scan. Pregnancy and recent events like surgery or transfusions can prohibit you from completing a Q Exam in the near term. We encourage you to go through our registration process, which will screen for these things and more. If it appears that you have a contraindication to any component of the exam, someone from our team will reach out to you to discuss in detail.

You will complete a safety check questionnaire prior to your exam.

You will also need to fast beginning 12 hours in advance of your Q Exam.  Eating food or ingesting sugary drinks may result in variable laboratory results.  Do stay hydrated with plain (non-carbonated, non-flavored) water.

Please consult your doctor about whether it is advisable to stop your medications before a blood test. If you are unsure, do not stop any prescription medication.

We will also be sending you this information right before your Q Exam with any reminders and information you require. As always, if you have any questions about any of the steps above, please do not hesitate to reach out to hello@q.bio

We currently do not accept anyone under the age of 22.

Let us know if you have any specific concerns. Our phlebotomists are well-trained and may be able to help you have an easier experience. It can be helpful for us to know to keep your chair reclined for the procedure, for instance.

The Q Exam uses FDA cleared software (Constellation) that applies AI-powered methods to analyze whole-body MR images, including segmenting anatomical regions such as the lung, liver, and brain structures, and calculating related measurements. After our physicians review these AI-powered results, they are provided as clear whole-body visuals with labeled regions that help clinicians develop a care plan for our members.

We anticipate results to be ready in about 2-3 weeks after your exam. You will be prompted to schedule a Data Review with one of our Q Bio physicians. During the Data Review, the Q Bio physician will spend 45 minutes of focused time summarizing your results which you can then share with your care team to make a healthcare plan for you if necessary.

Once your Data Review is complete, your interactive dashboard with digital results and printable PDF’s is always available to you and can be accessed with your personal credentials. You can also share access to your dashboard with your care team.

No. The Q Exam is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Although we have a Q Bio physician meet with you to help summarize your results, it is intended to support your care team in creating a healthcare plan for you.

With each annual exam, your dashboard grows more powerful, making it easier to identify trends and subtle changes that may not be visible in a single snapshot of your health.

We currently do not accept insurance. However, The Q Exam qualifies for HSA / FSA accounts. Please contact your insurance provider to understand your FSA/HSA reimbursement and benefits.

We accept all major credit cards.