Prenuvo opens Seattle clinic for full-body MRI scans pitched as a proactive health measure

Prenuvo, providers of full-body MRI screenings designed to detect cancer and other diseases early, announced the opening and location of its first clinic in Seattle on Thursday.

The clinic will be located at 4610 25th Ave. NE, in the University Village shopping mall near the University of Washington.

First announced last December, the location is Prenuvo’s first in the Seattle area. The Silicon Valley company has more than a dozen locations across the U.S. and Canada, with plans for at least 10 more, including in Portland, Ore.

Prenuvo is part of a health trend around venture-backed startups offering whole-body MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans to identify various conditions. Prenuvo competitor Ezra recently opened its own location in the Seattle region.

These companies cite anecdotal stories about people who credit these scans for spotting something that needed medical attention.

But some medical experts worry that the scans can add unnecessary costs and concerns — more information about your body could be less helpful than it sounds, they say.

Prenuvo’s machine is called an open bore MRI scanner, which permits the head to be outside of the magnet for portions of the scans. After a scan, images are reviewed by one of the company’s licensed radiologists. Patient results are typically ready in about 10-to-15 days.

Every report includes explanations and insights into the risk level and actions recommended, as well as a physician-focused, shareable PDF report.

Priced at $2,500 for a 60-minute full-body scan, Prenuvo’s procedures have attracted high-profile clientele and celebrity endorsements, including from the likes of Kim Kardashian.

“Seattle’s commitment to wellness and proactive health make it an ideal location for Prenuvo’s clinic,” Prenuvo founder and CEO Andrew Lacy said in a statement. “Our goal is to help Seattle residents take charge of their health by offering a way to detect potential risks early, empowering them to live fuller lives with more confidence and peace of mind.”

Founded in 2018, Prenuvo has raised more than $70 million.