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.
Indicative pricing
What a children’s MRI costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£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 | 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.
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.
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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?
Look for child-friendly clinics with paediatric radiographers.
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.
Making it easy
What makes an MRI easier 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, given 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.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
For a child the key questions are staying still and whether sedation is needed. Both are normally planned in advance, before the day of the scan.
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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 used 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, given by 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.
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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, the clinic should 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 it can read as technical.
If you would like it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 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
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 given with careful monitoring.
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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.
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Does my child need to fast?
Only if sedation or a general anaesthetic is planned - in which case the clinic should 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.
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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, the report and images can be shared with your GP or your child’s specialist.