Imaging · London
Private abdominal MRI in London, read by a consultant radiologist.
Indicative pricing
What an abdominal MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£350-£650, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominal MRI (standard) | £350–£650 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Abdominal MRI with contrast | £500–£900 | 45–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| MRCP (bile ducts, no contrast) | £400–£700 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Liver-specific protocol | £450–£850 | 40–55 min | 48–72 hrs |
| MRI enterography (small bowel) | £500–£950 | 45–70 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Post-operative review | £350–£650 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether gadolinium contrast is used.
The problem
The detail of a CT, without the radiation.
For the liver, bile ducts and soft tissues, MRI often shows more than a CT - and with no radiation dose. The right protocol, a good scanner and a consultant radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes an ultrasound or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
It is worth checking that a consultant radiologist reports the study.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Liver, kidney, pancreas, bile-duct or bowel questions each need a different look. These are the questions most often asked.
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Liver lesions & disease
Characterises liver lesions, fatty liver, iron overload and fibrosis in fine detail.
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Kidney & adrenal problems
Assesses kidney and adrenal masses and complex cysts, without any radiation.
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Pancreas & spleen
Images the pancreas and spleen for masses, inflammation and cystic lesions.
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Bile ducts & gallbladder (MRCP)
MRCP maps the bile ducts and gallbladder for stones and blockages - no camera needed.
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Masses & characterisation
Helps tell a harmless finding from one that needs closer attention.
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Bowel & inflammation
MRI enterography assesses the small bowel in Crohn’s and other inflammation.
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Follow-up without radiation
A radiation-free way to monitor a known problem over time.
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Post-surgery review
Assesses the result of abdominal surgery and looks for a new problem.
Abdominal MRI types
Not all abdominal scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard abdominal MRI
Images the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals and spleen. No injection always needed.
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Abdominal MRI with contrast
A gadolinium study to characterise a lesion, inflammation or a mass.
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MRCP
A dedicated look at the bile ducts and gallbladder for stones and blockages, no contrast.
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Liver-specific protocol
Adds fat, iron and fibrosis assessment - and a liver-specific contrast where useful.
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MRI enterography
Assesses the small bowel in Crohn’s and other inflammatory disease.
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Kidney / adrenal protocol
Focused imaging to characterise a kidney or adrenal finding.
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Post-operative abdomen
Tailored to assess previous surgery and separate it from a new problem.
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3T high-resolution
A stronger magnet for sharper detail of small abdominal structures.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few situations need a check, and some scans need a short fast beforehand.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. Your hospital can supply this information.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Joint replacements, stents, plates
Almost always fine. May cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Fasting
Some abdominal scans need a few hours without food. Follow the preparation instructions you are given.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
Reading your report
An abdominal report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Organ by organ, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
It is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is fine.
Ask the clinician who requested the test to talk you through it before your follow-up.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and the clinical question behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (T1, T2, diffusion, and contrast where needed). Each highlights the organs differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured, organ-by-organ description of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and other structures, 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
Frequently asked
Common questions about abdominal MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What can an abdominal MRI show?
Liver lesions, fatty liver and fibrosis; kidney, adrenal and pancreatic masses; bile-duct stones and blockages (via MRCP); bowel inflammation; and the result of previous surgery - all without radiation.
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How much does a private abdominal MRI cost in London?
Adding contrast, MRCP or enterography costs more.
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What is an MRCP?
An MRCP is an MRI focused on the bile ducts and gallbladder. It shows stones and blockages without a camera or contrast, and is often used instead of an invasive ERCP for diagnosis.
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Do I need a referral?
Many abdominal MRIs accept self-referral, but some protocols and any contrast study are safer with a letter.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not always. Contrast is added to characterise a lesion, or for specific liver and vascular questions. You should be told in advance if it is likely.
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Do I need to fast beforehand?
For some abdominal and MRCP scans, yes - a few hours without food.
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How long does it take?
Most abdominal scans take 30-45 minutes; enterography takes longer. You lie on your back and may be asked to hold your breath briefly.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover abdominal MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is an abdominal MRI safe?
It is one of the safest tests in medicine - no ionising radiation, unlike a CT scan.