Skip to main content

Concierge imaging · London

Prostate mpMRI - London.

Private multi-parametric prostate MRI for PSA workup and active surveillance. 3T scan combining T2, diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast sequences, reported by a specialist uroradiologist and scored on the PI-RADS scale. Cost £550 to £950 all-inclusive.

What mpMRI is

Multi-parametric MRI of the prostate.

Prostate mpMRI combines three sequences in one sitting: T2-weighted imaging for anatomy and zonal detail, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) which highlights densely packed tumour cells, and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) which tracks blood flow in and out of any suspicious area after a gadolinium injection.

The reporting radiologist synthesises the three views into a single Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score for each lesion. PI-RADS 4 and 5 findings direct targeted biopsy; PI-RADS 1 and 2 findings support surveillance without a needle.

Under NICE guideline NG131, mpMRI is the recommended first-line test for suspected prostate cancer. It replaces the older systematic 12-core biopsy pathway, avoids unnecessary biopsy in around one in four men, and improves detection of clinically significant disease.

Indications

When mpMRI is the right test.

  • Rising PSA on serial testing

  • Abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE)

  • Active surveillance follow-up for low-risk disease

  • Family history workup with borderline PSA

  • Biochemical recurrence after surgery or radiotherapy

  • Focal therapy planning (HIFU, cryotherapy)

  • Staging of confirmed prostate cancer

PI-RADS scoring

How your report is scored.

The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System assigns each suspicious lesion a score from 1 to 5, indicating the likelihood of clinically significant cancer.

  • PI-RADS 1

    Very low

    Clinically significant cancer highly unlikely.

  • PI-RADS 2

    Low

    Clinically significant cancer unlikely.

  • PI-RADS 3

    Equivocal

    Equivocal - biopsy considered with PSA density.

  • PI-RADS 4

    High

    Clinically significant cancer likely - targeted biopsy indicated.

  • PI-RADS 5

    Very high

    Clinically significant cancer highly likely - targeted biopsy indicated.

Preparation

Before your scan.

  • Avoid ejaculation for 48 to 72 hours before the appointment.
  • A bowel-prep enema an hour before is offered by some centres, optional at others.
  • Allow around 45 minutes in the scanner, plus check-in.
  • A small cannula is placed for gadolinium contrast.
  • Anticoagulation and antiplatelet medication do not need to be held.

Scan protocol

Inside the scanner.

  • 3T MRI is preferred over 1.5T for higher spatial resolution and improved DWI quality.
  • Endorectal coils are rarely used with modern phased-array surface coils.
  • Sequences: T2-weighted axial, sagittal and coronal, DWI with ADC map, DCE post-gadolinium.
  • Total in-scanner time approximately 40 to 45 minutes.

Reporting

Who reads your images.

A specialist uroradiologist is essential; general body radiologists under-detect and over-call. Some London centres offer independent double-reading. The written report specifies PI-RADS 3 to 5 lesions with sector maps, extracapsular extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion, pelvic lymph nodes and any bone involvement.

When to biopsy

From report to needle.

  • PI-RADS 4 or 5 at any PSA - targeted MRI/US fusion biopsy indicated.
  • PI-RADS 3 with high PSA density (above 0.15 ng/ml/cc) - biopsy considered.
  • PI-RADS 1 or 2 with normal PSA density - surveillance only, repeat PSA.

Cost and centres

£550 to £950 across London.

All-inclusive pricing usually covers scanner time, gadolinium contrast, cannulation and the consultant uroradiologist report. NHS mpMRI is widely available and NICE-approved as first-line, with typical waits of two to six weeks depending on trust.

Where we book

  • University College London Hospital Private
  • HCA London Bridge
  • HCA The Wellington
  • Cromwell BUPA
  • One Welbeck
  • London Medical
  • InHealth Group

Frequently asked

Common questions about prostate mpMRI.

  • Do I need a referral for a prostate mpMRI?

    No. Most London private centres accept self-pay bookings without a GP referral. Insurance policies usually require a referral from a private GP or consultant urologist. We can arrange a fast-track private GP appointment where needed.

  • Is prostate mpMRI covered by private health insurance?

    Yes. Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna typically cover mpMRI when a specialist has requested it for suspected prostate cancer or active surveillance. Pre-authorisation is required. We handle this before booking.

  • Can an mpMRI miss cancer or produce false positives?

    Yes to both. mpMRI misses roughly 10 to 15 per cent of clinically significant cancers, so a PI-RADS 1 or 2 result with rising PSA still warrants urological review. PI-RADS 3 findings are equivocal, and PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions occasionally turn out to be inflammation rather than cancer on biopsy. Reader experience matters.

  • Why do I need to avoid ejaculation before the scan?

    Recent ejaculation causes seminal vesicle collapse and can distort the diffusion-weighted images. Most centres ask you to abstain for 48 to 72 hours so the images stay clean and PI-RADS scoring stays reliable.

  • Is gadolinium contrast safe?

    Modern macrocyclic gadolinium agents are considered very safe in patients with normal kidney function. We check your eGFR before booking. Patients with severe renal impairment may have a biparametric MRI (T2 plus DWI, no contrast) instead - the difference in accuracy for most indications is small.

  • Does 3T give a better scan than 1.5T?

    For prostate imaging, yes. 3T scanners produce higher signal-to-noise and better spatial resolution, which helps with small lesion detection. A well-performed 1.5T scan is still diagnostic and remains the standard in some units. All centres in our network offer 3T for prostate work.

Related

Adjacent tests and treatments.

Book your scan

Prostate mpMRI in London, arranged privately.

Tell us your PSA, symptoms and preferred area of London. We come back within one working day with two or three options across our vetted network, with firm pricing and next available slots.

Pulse Healthcare concierge

Send us your enquiry

A concierge service for UK private healthcare. We match you with the best vetted clinics and consultants in our network - they then contact you directly.

So we can match you to the right clinician close to you.

We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours (Mon–Fri). Confidential - your details are never shared outside our vetted consultant network.