Concierge imaging · London
MRI with contrast in London, when the detail matters.
Gadolinium contrast makes tumours, inflammation and blood vessels stand out - but many scans do not need it. We explain when it helps, arrange it safely, and only use it when it changes the answer.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Only when it helps
We add contrast when it changes the answer - and leave it out when it does not.
- 02
Given safely
We route to clinics that check kidney function and supervise contrast properly.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What MRI with contrast costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Contrast usually adds £50-£150 to a scan, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast added to a scan | + £50–£150 | +15 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Brain MRI with contrast | £450–£800 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Abdominal / pelvic with contrast | £500–£900 | 40–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| MR angiography (MRA) | £450–£850 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Breast MRI (contrast-based) | £600–£1,000 | 30–45 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 (1.5T vs 3T), and which scan the contrast is added to. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Contrast is powerful - and often unnecessary.
Used at the right moment, gadolinium reveals things a plain scan cannot. Used needlessly, it just adds an injection and cost. Knowing the difference - and giving it safely - is what a good concierge should do. We do.
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Not sure if you need it?
We advise honestly - many scans are complete without any injection.
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Worried about safety?
We check your kidney function first and explain the small risks clearly.
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Told you need contrast?
We arrange it at a clinic set up to give and supervise it properly.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician 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
A contrast scan takes about 15 minutes longer than usual. A small cannula goes in your arm and the contrast is given partway through.
- 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 contrast is actually used.
Contrast earns its place for specific questions. Here is when it helps - and the reminder that it often is not needed.
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Tumours & masses
Contrast helps define a tumour’s edge, blood supply and behaviour.
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Infection & inflammation
Highlights active inflammation and abscesses.
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Blood vessels (MRA)
Shows arteries and veins for aneurysms, narrowing and malformations.
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Active MS lesions
Distinguishes active from old lesions in multiple sclerosis.
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Breast MRI
Breast MRI relies on contrast to reveal areas of concern.
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Cancer staging
Adds detail when mapping the spread of a known cancer.
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Post-surgery review
Separates scar tissue from a new or recurrent problem.
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Often not needed
Many scans are complete without any injection - we only add it when it helps.
Safety & what to expect
What to know about MRI contrast.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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What gadolinium is
A safe contrast agent that brightens certain tissues so they stand out.
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The injection
A small cannula in your arm; the contrast goes in partway through the scan.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is checked first, as the contrast is cleared by the kidneys.
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Side effects
Usually none. A brief cool feeling is common; reactions are rare.
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Pregnancy & feeding
Avoided in pregnancy unless essential; safe to continue breastfeeding.
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Allergy history
Tell us about any previous contrast reaction so we plan accordingly.
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How long it adds
Typically about 15 minutes on top of the standard scan.
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When it is avoided
If it will not change the answer, we leave it out. Less is more.
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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Contrast given and supervised to current safety standards
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Reported by a consultant radiologist
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A report turnaround under 72 hours as standard
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
For a contrast scan the key steps are checking your kidney function and any allergy history. We handle both before you arrive.
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Kidney function (eGFR)
The most important check - a recent blood test confirms your kidneys can clear the contrast.
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Previous contrast reaction
Rare, but tell us - we take precautions or choose a different approach.
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Pregnancy
Gadolinium is avoided in pregnancy unless truly essential.
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Breastfeeding
Gadolinium is permitted - no need to pump and discard.
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Asthma and allergies
A history of significant allergy is worth flagging; serious reactions are very uncommon.
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Pacemakers and implants
The usual MRI implant checks still apply. We confirm the model before booking.
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The cannula
A small needle in the arm for the injection - the only mildly uncomfortable part.
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Staying hydrated
Normal hydration helps your body clear the contrast afterwards.
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When we skip it
If contrast will not change the result, we do not use it. Many scans need none.
Reading your report
A report can look intimidating. It isn't.
With contrast or without, 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 whether contrast was used.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used before and after contrast - the difference is what reveals the finding.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured description of the region imaged, including how tissues took up the contrast.
- 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 MRI contrast.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What is MRI contrast?
A gadolinium-based agent injected into a vein. It brightens certain tissues - tumours, inflammation, blood vessels - so they stand out and can be characterised.
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Is gadolinium contrast safe?
For almost everyone, yes. Serious reactions are very rare, and modern agents have an excellent safety record. The main check is your kidney function.
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Do I always need contrast?
No - many MRIs are complete without it. We add contrast only when it will change the answer, such as for tumours, infection, vessels or a breast MRI.
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Why do you check my kidneys first?
Contrast is cleared by the kidneys, so we confirm a recent eGFR blood test before giving it - simply a safety step.
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Are there side effects?
Usually none. Some people feel a brief cool sensation as it goes in. Nausea or a mild reaction is uncommon, and the team is prepared for it.
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Can I have contrast if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is avoided in pregnancy unless truly essential. If you are breastfeeding, gadolinium is permitted and you do not need to pump and discard.
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Does the injection hurt?
Only the small cannula in your arm, like any blood test. The contrast itself is painless.
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How much longer does it take?
Contrast typically adds around 15 minutes to the scan.
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Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes - there is no sedation, so you can drive, eat and work as normal.
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How much does contrast add to the cost?
Usually £50-£150 on top of the scan, depending on the study. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.