Imaging · London
Private prostate mpMRI in London, read to PI-RADS by a uroradiologist.
The modern first step before any biopsy.
Indicative pricing
What a prostate mpMRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£550-£950, reported to PI-RADS in 48-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-parametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) | £550–£950 | 40–50 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Biparametric prostate MRI (bpMRI, no contrast) | £450–£800 | 30–40 min | 48–72 hrs |
| mpMRI + pelvic nodes (staging) | £650–£1,150 | 50–70 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Active-surveillance follow-up mpMRI | £500–£900 | 40–50 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Post-treatment review | £500–£900 | 40–50 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Second-opinion read (existing scan) | £250–£450 | Report only | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (3T preferred for the prostate), and whether a full mpMRI with contrast or a faster bpMRI is used.
The problem
A scan before a biopsy, not the other way round.
For years men went straight to biopsy. mpMRI first can spare an unnecessary one - and where a biopsy is still needed, it can be targeted. The right protocol, a 3T scanner and a uroradiologist reading it to PI-RADS are what turn a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
If your PSA is raised or your GP is concerned, mpMRI is usually the right first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
Look for clinics where a consultant uroradiologist reports to PI-RADS standard.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
From a raised PSA to planning a targeted biopsy, mpMRI answers very specific questions. These are the most common.
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Before any biopsy decision
mpMRI is the modern first step - it can spare many men an unnecessary biopsy.
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PI-RADS scoring
Your scan is scored 1 to 5 for how likely a significant cancer is, guiding what happens next.
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Detecting significant cancer
Designed to find the cancers that matter while overlooking many that never would.
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Targeted biopsy planning
Pinpoints a suspicious area so a biopsy can be aimed precisely, not taken blindly.
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Making sense of a raised PSA
Helps decide whether a raised PSA actually needs a biopsy at all.
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Active surveillance
Tracks a known low-risk cancer over time without repeated biopsies.
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Staging & spread
Assesses whether a known cancer has spread beyond the gland.
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After treatment
Looks for recurrence after surgery or radiotherapy.
Prostate MRI types
Not all prostate scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI)
The full standard study - T2, diffusion and contrast, reported with PI-RADS.
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Biparametric MRI (bpMRI)
A faster study without contrast, suitable for many men.
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PI-RADS reporting
A structured 1-5 score for the likelihood of significant cancer.
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Staging protocol
Adds the pelvic lymph nodes to assess spread in a known cancer.
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Pre-biopsy mpMRI
Done before any biopsy so any sample can be targeted, not random.
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Active-surveillance follow-up
A repeat scan to watch a known low-risk cancer over time.
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Post-treatment MRI
Looks for recurrence after surgery or radiotherapy.
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Second-opinion read
A specialist re-read of an existing scan, no need to re-scan.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A couple of things are checked first - a recent biopsy or hip metalwork can affect timing or the choice of scanner.
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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. The scanning centre will need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Hip replacements and pelvic metalwork
Almost always MRI-safe. They may cause local artefact near the prostate - the clinic can advise on the right scanner.
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A recent prostate biopsy
Best to wait about 6-8 weeks after a biopsy so bruising does not obscure the scan.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned for a full mpMRI.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A PI-RADS report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Every prostate report is built the same way - four parts, ending in your PI-RADS score.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your urologist, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and the clinical question - often a raised PSA.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (T2, diffusion and, for mpMRI, contrast). Together they build the PI-RADS score.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A description of the prostate zones and any suspicious area, with its PI-RADS score.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The PI-RADS score and what it means - read this first. Your urologist plans the next step.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about prostate MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What is an mpMRI of the prostate?
A multi-parametric MRI - several types of image combined - and the modern first step for suspected prostate cancer. It is reported with a PI-RADS score from 1 to 5.
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Do I need an MRI before a prostate biopsy?
Current best practice is mpMRI first. It can spare many men a biopsy, and where a biopsy is still needed it lets the sample be targeted rather than random.
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What is a PI-RADS score?
A 1-to-5 score for how likely a significant cancer is: 1-2 means very unlikely, 4-5 means a biopsy is usually advised. Your radiologist or specialist can explain your score in plain terms.
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How much does a private prostate MRI cost in London?
A faster biparametric study or a second-opinion read costs less; staging costs more.
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Do I need a referral?
A prostate mpMRI is usually arranged with a referral, and a raised PSA or symptoms help the radiologist.
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Do I need contrast (an injection)?
A full mpMRI uses contrast; a biparametric (bpMRI) study does not.
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How long does it take?
A prostate mpMRI takes about 40-50 minutes. You lie on your back throughout. A muscle-relaxant injection is sometimes used to steady the bowel.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant uroradiologist report is usually ready in 48-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be shared with your GP or urologist.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover prostate MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a prostate MRI safe?
It is one of the safest tests in medicine - no ionising radiation.