Concierge imaging · London
Children’s MRI in London, calm, careful, child-first.
A radiation-free scan in a clinic that knows how to look after children. We match you to child-friendly London centres, arrange sedation or anaesthetic only where truly needed, and stay with you through the paediatric radiologist report.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Child-first, always
We choose clinics and staff who are genuinely good with children - and stay with you throughout.
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Sedation only if needed
We try the gentlest route first, and arrange sedation or anaesthetic safely only when there is no alternative.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a children’s MRI costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A single-region children’s MRI in our network: £400-£750, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paediatric MRI (single region) | £400–£750 | 20–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Paediatric MRI with contrast | £550–£950 | 40–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| With sedation (arranged) | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
| Under general anaesthetic (younger children) | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
| Two regions | £650–£1,100 | 45–75 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 a contrast arthrogram is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Scanning a child is a different skill.
A child needs a calm clinic, staff who know how to reassure them, and sedation only when there is no gentler way. The right team - and a paediatric radiologist reading it - is what turns a scan into an answer, without the fear. We arrange all of it.
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Worried it is not safe?
MRI uses no radiation - it is one of the safest scans a child can have.
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Worried they cannot keep still?
Play preparation usually works; sedation or anaesthetic is there if needed.
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Not sure where to go?
We route you to child-friendly clinics with paediatric radiographers.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician alongside you and your child, from first message to 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
20-45 minutes for most scans. A parent can usually stay in the room, with headphones or a film to keep your child calm.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant paediatric 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
What a children’s MRI can look at.
From headaches to hip pain, MRI answers a wide range of questions in children - safely and without radiation. These are the common ones.
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Brain & development
Investigates headaches, seizures, and developmental or neurological questions.
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Spine & scoliosis
Assesses the spine, spinal cord and scoliosis - without any radiation.
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Bones & joints
Sports injuries, hip problems and unexplained limb pain.
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Abdomen & pelvis
Organ and soft-tissue questions, radiation-free.
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Suspected masses
Characterises and monitors masses with a paediatric radiologist.
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Congenital conditions
Detailed anatomy for known or suspected congenital conditions.
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Follow-up over time
No radiation means safe, repeatable monitoring for a growing child.
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Comfort comes first
Play preparation, a parent alongside, and sedation or anaesthetic only where truly needed.
How we make it easy
How we make an MRI easy for a child.
The small things that turn a daunting scan into a calm visit.
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Child-friendly clinics
Calm, welcoming imaging centres used to scanning children.
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Paediatric radiographers
Experienced staff who know how to settle and reassure children.
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Play preparation
Explaining the scanner as a game, sometimes with a practice run.
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A parent can stay
You can usually be in the room with your child throughout.
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No radiation
MRI uses no X-rays - ideal for children and repeat scans.
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Sedation when needed
A mild sedative for children who cannot stay still, arranged safely.
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General anaesthetic pathway
For very young children, a consultant paediatric anaesthetist where required.
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Fast, clear reporting
A paediatric radiologist report, explained to you in plain terms.
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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Reported by a consultant paediatric radiologist
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Child-friendly clinics with experienced paediatric radiographers
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Sedation or anaesthetic arranged safely where needed
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
For a child the key questions are staying still and whether sedation is needed. We plan both - gently - before you arrive.
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Is MRI safe for children?
Yes - there is no ionising radiation, which makes it ideal for children and repeat scans.
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Staying still
The biggest challenge. Play preparation helps; sedation or anaesthetic is arranged only if truly needed.
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A parent in the room
You can usually stay with your child throughout, which helps enormously.
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Sedation
A mild sedative for children who cannot stay still, given and monitored safely.
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General anaesthetic
For very young children, arranged with a consultant paediatric anaesthetist. Fasting instructions apply.
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Contrast in children
Gadolinium is used sparingly and only when it will change the answer. We check kidney function first.
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Implants and devices
Any implant or device is checked before booking, as for adults.
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Comfort and noise
Headphones, music or a film keep the scan calm despite the noise.
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Fasting for sedation or GA
If sedation or anaesthetic is planned, we give clear fasting instructions in advance.
Reading your report
A report can look intimidating. It isn't.
However young the patient, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your child’s doctor - so we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your child’s details, the scan performed, and the clinical question behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used, and whether sedation or anaesthetic was needed.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured description of the region imaged, reported by a paediatric radiologist.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in plain terms - read this first. Your child’s specialist discusses it with you.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything parents ask about children’s MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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Is an MRI safe for my child?
Yes. MRI uses no ionising radiation, which makes it especially suitable for children and for repeat scans over time. The main challenge is simply staying still.
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Will my child need sedation or a general anaesthetic?
Many children manage awake with good preparation. Younger children, or those who cannot stay still, may need a mild sedative or - for the very young - a general anaesthetic, always arranged safely.
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Can I stay in the room with my child?
Usually yes. A parent staying nearby is one of the best ways to keep a child calm, and we arrange it wherever possible.
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How do you keep a child still for the scan?
Child-friendly clinics use play preparation, headphones, music or a film, and sometimes a practice run. If that is not enough, sedation or anaesthetic is available.
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How long does a paediatric MRI take?
Most single-region scans take 20-45 minutes. With sedation or anaesthetic the visit is longer because of preparation and recovery.
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Will my child need contrast?
Only when it will change the answer. Gadolinium is used sparingly in children, and we check kidney function first.
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Does my child need to fast?
Only if sedation or a general anaesthetic is planned - in which case we give clear fasting instructions in advance. For an awake scan, no fasting is needed.
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Do I need a referral?
A paediatric MRI is usually arranged with a referral and clinical details. We can arrange a fast-track private paediatrician or GP if you need one.
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How much does it cost?
A single-region paediatric scan is typically £400-£750 in our network; sedation or anaesthetic is quoted case by case. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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How quickly will I get results?
A consultant paediatric radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or your child’s specialist.