Concierge imaging · London
3T or 1.5T MRI in London, matched to your scan.
Not sure whether you need a 3T or 1.5T scan? You do not have to decide. We explain the difference, then match you to the right field strength - and the right London clinic - for your question.
Why patients choose us
- 01
We choose, you relax
One clinician picks the right field strength and clinic - you do not have to work it out.
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Paid by no clinic
We take nothing from the centres we suggest, so the guidance stays impartial and free.
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Both 3T and 1.5T on tap
Our panel covers both field strengths, re-checked twice a year on quality.
Indicative pricing
What 3T and 1.5T MRI cost in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Most single-region scans in our network: £275-£650, on 3T or 1.5T, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3T MRI (single region) | £300–£650 | 20–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| 1.5T MRI (single region) | £275–£550 | 20–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| 3T prostate or small-joint (high detail) | £400–£950 | 30–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| 1.5T with certain implants | £300–£600 | 25–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Wide-bore 1.5T (larger / anxious) | £350–£700 | 25–50 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Second-opinion read (existing scan) | £250–£450 | Report only | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Higher field strength is not always the right answer.
A 3T scanner gives more detail, but 1.5T is sometimes safer, more comfortable or simply enough. Matching the field strength to your question - and reading it well - is what turns a scan into an answer. We handle that for you.
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Not sure which you need?
You do not have to choose - tell us the question and we pick 3T or 1.5T.
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Worried about an implant?
Send us the device details and we select the safer, clearer field strength.
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Want the sharpest image?
For brain, spine, prostate and small joints we route you to 3T.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to signed report - usually inside a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into shorts or a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
A 3T or 1.5T scan takes about the same time - 20-45 minutes for most single regions. You lie still with headphones for the noise.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
When each field strength is right.
Both scanners are excellent - but for some questions one clearly fits better. Here is how we choose.
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3T for brain & spine
The extra resolution of 3T helps for the brain, spine and subtle neurological questions.
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3T for prostate mpMRI
Prostate mpMRI is usually best on 3T, where fine detail can change the PI-RADS score.
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3T for small joints
Wrist, ankle and other small-structure imaging benefit from the sharper 3T picture.
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1.5T with certain implants
For some pacemakers and implants, 1.5T is the safer or clearer choice.
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1.5T wide-bore for comfort
Wide-bore 1.5T scanners suit larger or more anxious patients.
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1.5T for general body imaging
Well-established and perfectly capable for most routine body scans.
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Either works for most scans
For many everyday scans, both give an excellent, diagnostic result.
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We match it to your case
You do not need to choose - we pick the field strength your question needs.
The practical differences
How 3T and 1.5T actually differ.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Image detail
3T gives a sharper picture; 1.5T is still excellent for most scans.
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Scan time
3T can be a little faster for some sequences, but both are comparable.
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Implant compatibility
Some implants are safer or clearer on 1.5T. We always check first.
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Artefact & noise
3T can show more artefact near metal; 1.5T is often more forgiving.
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Bore & comfort
Wide-bore versions exist at both field strengths for space and calm.
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Availability
1.5T is more widely available; 3T is concentrated in specialist centres.
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Cost
3T is sometimes a small premium, but not always. We quote both.
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Best-for
Brain, spine, prostate and small joints lean 3T; general body works well on 1.5T.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
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Both 3T and wide-bore 1.5T scanners across the panel
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Reported by a consultant radiologist matched to the scan
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A report turnaround under 72 hours as standard
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
The main thing we check is how any implant behaves at 3T versus 1.5T. We sort it before you arrive.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional, and field strength can matter. We check the model before booking.
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Cochlear implants
Case-by-case. We confirm with the device manufacturer.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.
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Metal implants and artefact
1.5T is often more forgiving near metalwork; we choose the field strength accordingly.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Claustrophobia
Wide-bore versions of both 3T and 1.5T are available, and we can arrange mild sedation.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation at either field strength. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Whatever the field strength, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and the field strength used.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Whether the scan used 3T or 1.5T, and which sequences - each answers a different question.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured description of the region imaged, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief - read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about 3T vs 1.5T MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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Is 3T always better than 1.5T?
No. 3T gives more detail for the brain, spine, prostate and small joints, but 1.5T is excellent for most scans and is sometimes the better choice - especially with certain implants. We match the field strength to your question.
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Is a 3T MRI safe?
Yes. Both 3T and 1.5T are very safe, with no ionising radiation. The stronger 3T field just means we check implants a little more carefully.
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Does a 3T scan cost more?
Sometimes there is a small premium, but not always. We quote both options so you can see the difference for your scan.
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Which is better for a prostate MRI?
Prostate mpMRI is usually best on 3T, where the extra detail can change the PI-RADS score. We route prostate scans accordingly.
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I have an implant - which should I have?
It depends on the exact device. Some are safer or produce fewer artefacts on 1.5T. Send us the details and we choose the right scanner.
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Is 1.5T outdated?
Not at all. 1.5T is a modern, well-established standard that produces excellent diagnostic images for the vast majority of scans.
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Which is quieter or faster?
They are broadly similar. 3T can be marginally faster for some sequences; both use headphones for the noise.
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How do I know which one I had?
It is stated on your report and images. If you are unsure, we can tell you and advise whether it suited your question.
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Do I need a referral?
Most scans accept self-referral. We can arrange a fast-track private GP if a letter or contrast study is needed.
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How quickly will I get results?
A consultant radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or specialist.