Frequently Asked Questions

No. You do not need to arrange a GP referral before starting your booking. Our clinical team will collect the relevant medical information, check that the requested scan is appropriate and prepare the referral information required by the scanning centre.

After your scan, the scanning centre sends the imaging report to the clinical team. A clinician reviews the report and contacts you to discuss the findings and any recommended next steps. Your written report is then sent to you securely, and digital scan images can be arranged where available for onward care.

Results are commonly available within 3–5 working days after your scan, although this can vary by scanning centre and may be quicker in some cases. If you have not heard within the expected timeframe, please contact the team for an update.

Yes. If you are under the care of an NHS or private consultant, your report and images can usually be shared for onward care. You may be asked to provide the hospital name, department and consultant details so the information can be directed correctly.

Your report is normally provided to you so you can share it with your GP or another healthcare professional. Downloadable report and image files can be provided where available.

Once your booking has been received, a clinician will review your case and contact you to complete the pre-scan consultation. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history and reason for the scan before the referral is confirmed.

After your consultation, your appointment request is sent to the selected scanning centre. The appointment date, time and location will then be confirmed. Please wait for confirmation before making travel arrangements.

Your booking includes clinical review and referral support, the scan at your chosen centre, specialist reporting and access to your written report. A follow-up consultation is included so your results and next steps can be discussed clearly.

An open MRI scanner is designed to feel less enclosed than a traditional tunnel scanner. It can be helpful for patients who experience claustrophobia or anxiety, although suitability depends on the body part being scanned and local availability.

MRI scanner strength is measured in Tesla. A 1.5T scanner is commonly used for many routine scans and provides accurate imaging for most body parts. A 3T scanner uses a stronger magnetic field and may be preferred for selected brain, vascular, musculoskeletal or small-joint scans when clinically appropriate.

Cancellations and refunds may be available depending on the stage of your booking and the scanning centre’s policy. A cancellation fee may apply once clinical review or appointment arrangements have started.

Sedation is not routinely provided. If you are anxious or claustrophobic, please mention this during your consultation so the team can discuss practical options, including open MRI availability where suitable.

A single body-part MRI scan commonly takes around 10–30 minutes. More complex scans, multiple body parts or full-body imaging can take longer. Your radiographer will advise you on the expected scan duration on the day.

MRI is a safe, painless and non-invasive imaging test for most patients. It may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain implants, metal fragments or medical devices. Safety checks are completed before the scan is confirmed.

MRI scanning itself does not usually cause side effects. If contrast is required, mild temporary symptoms such as warmth, nausea or headache can occur, and allergic reactions are rare. The clinical team will discuss contrast with you if it is being considered.

Most patients with tattoos can have MRI safely. Some tattoo inks may contain metallic particles, which can rarely cause warming or tingling. Tell your radiographer immediately if you feel discomfort during the scan.

MRI is suitable for many patients, but it may not be appropriate if you have certain implants, metal in the body or are in early pregnancy. Your suitability is checked before the scan is confirmed.

Some MRI and CT scans require contrast to improve image detail. The clinical team will advise whether contrast is needed. If contrast is required, recent kidney function blood tests may be requested before the scan.

Where digital images are available, the download method depends on the scanning centre. Some centres use image-sharing portals and others provide images following a request process. Instructions are normally provided with your results email.

If an image link expires, contact the team and a new access link can usually be requested from the scan centre or image portal, depending on how the images were supplied.

If you are unhappy with any part of your experience, please contact the team so the issue can be reviewed properly and handled through the appropriate complaints process.