Concierge prostate imaging · UK
Prostate mpMRI - the scan before the biopsy.
A 30–40 minute 3T MRI using T2, diffusion and dynamic contrast sequences. Reported to PI-RADS v2.1 by a UK uroradiologist. Since NICE NG131, mpMRI has been the first investigation for raised PSA - before a biopsy is even considered.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A subspecialty consultant radiologist’s report
Body, MSK, neuro or uroradiology consultants read the scan that fits - not a generalist working through a list.
- 02
Booked in days, not weeks
Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London and the major UK cities.
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Independent, and free
We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation - including "don’t bother" - is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private prostate mpMRI costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner imaging units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
Prostate mpMRI in our network: £600–£1,200, report in 5–7 working days.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prostate mpMRI (3T with contrast) | £600–£1,200 | 30–40 min | 5–7 working days |
| Prostate mpMRI (1.5T) | £500–£900 | 30–40 min | 5–7 working days |
| MRI-targeted transperineal biopsy | £3,500–£6,500 | 45–60 min | 2 weeks histology |
| MRI-fusion transrectal biopsy | £3,000–£5,500 | 30–45 min | 2 weeks histology |
| Urology consultation | £250–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| PSA + free/total PSA | £80–£180 | 5 min blood draw | 24–72 hours |
Prices vary by scanner (3T is preferred), by uroradiologist and by whether MRI-targeted biopsy is bundled.
The problem
NICE says MRI first - but not everywhere delivers that pathway well.
NICE NG131 (updated) recommends mpMRI before a prostate biopsy where there is suspected localised prostate cancer. Done well, it avoids around a quarter of biopsies and finds more clinically significant cancers. Done badly, it does the opposite.
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PI-RADS 1–2 usually skips biopsy
With supportive clinical picture, low PI-RADS spares many men a biopsy.
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PI-RADS 3 needs judgement
Intermediate scores need clinical context and, often, MRI-targeted biopsy.
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PI-RADS 4–5 needs biopsy
These deserve an MRI-fusion targeted biopsy at a high-volume centre.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through operation, histology and follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before
Workup, imaging, planning
Phase 2 · On the day
Theatre and recovery
Phase 3 · After
Review and follow-up
- 01
Before
Tell us your PSA and history
PSA, DRE, family history, prior biopsy.
- 02
Before
3T MRI matched to a uroradiologist
A dedicated prostate reader, not a general list.
- 03
Before
Preparation instructions
Empty bladder; buscopan if not contraindicated; metal check.
- 04
On the day
The scan
30–40 minutes on a 3T scanner. T2, diffusion and dynamic contrast sequences.
- 05
On the day
Images to PACS
Same-day upload to a secure imaging platform.
- 06
After
PI-RADS report
Uroradiologist report within 5–7 working days with a PI-RADS v2.1 score per lesion.
- 07
After
Biopsy decision at MDT
If PI-RADS 3–5, we set up an MRI-targeted biopsy discussion at a high-volume centre.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to reported scan.
When it helps
When a prostate mpMRI is the right step.
Situations where mpMRI is now the standard first investigation.
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Raised PSA on screening or investigation
Age-adjusted PSA above threshold - MRI before biopsy per NICE NG131.
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Abnormal DRE
A palpable nodule - MRI adds detail before biopsy.
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Family history or BRCA2
Higher-risk men often start MRI-first pathways earlier.
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Rising PSA on active surveillance
Trigger to re-image and possibly re-biopsy.
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Post-radiotherapy biochemical recurrence
MRI localises local recurrence before salvage.
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Prior negative biopsy with persistent suspicion
Better characterisation than repeat systematic biopsy.
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Focal therapy planning
HIFU or cryotherapy planning needs a detailed MRI map.
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Red flag: bone pain or weight loss
These change the picture - needs urgent oncology, not a routine MRI booking.
Procedure options
Options within prostate MRI.
Scanner strength, contrast and biopsy planning.
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3T mpMRI (preferred)
Better diffusion resolution - the modern standard.
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1.5T mpMRI
Acceptable with excellent technique; often more comfortable in wide-bore scanners.
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Bi-parametric MRI
T2 + DWI only, no contrast. Sometimes used for screening; not standard for clinical work.
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PI-RADS v2.1
Structured 1–5 score per lesion - internationally agreed reporting.
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MRI-fusion biopsy
Targets PI-RADS lesions using stored MRI plus live ultrasound.
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Transperineal vs transrectal biopsy
Transperineal has a lower infection risk and is increasingly the UK standard.
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Repeat MRI on active surveillance
Annual or biennial re-scanning to detect progression.
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Post-radiotherapy MRI
Different appearance - needs a reader used to treated glands.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of radiologists, we picked them.
Consultant radiologists across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every consultant in our network.
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CQC-registered imaging centres with modern 1.5T/3T MRI, multislice CT or high-end ultrasound
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UK GMC-registered subspecialty consultant radiologists reporting the scan
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Same-week appointments including evenings and weekends across London and major UK cities
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Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
The safety profile is well understood. What matters is choosing the right test, and reading the report honestly.
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No radiation
MRI uses magnetic fields - safe to repeat.
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Contrast reactions rare
Modern gadolinium has a very low reaction rate. Kidney function checked in at-risk patients.
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Buscopan considerations
Anti-spasmodic used to reduce bowel motion - not for glaucoma or severe cardiac disease.
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Claustrophobia
Wide-bore scanners and sedation help; the scan is 30–40 minutes.
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Metal implants and pacemakers
Older devices may exclude MRI - questionnaire before booking.
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PI-RADS 3 is a grey zone
Discussion at MDT; not every PI-RADS 3 needs a biopsy.
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Not a screening scan alone
mpMRI complements PSA and clinical judgement; it doesn’t replace them.
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Biopsy after MRI
Should be MRI-fusion targeted at a high-volume centre - we introduce you.
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When to escalate
Retention, bone pain or spinal symptoms - same-day urology or A&E, not a routine MRI.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre does the scan, the report keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the operation note and any histology before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and protocol
PSA, prior imaging, scanner strength and sequences.
- 02 Findings
Zonal anatomy and lesions
Peripheral, transition and central zones; each lesion sized and located by sector.
- 03 PI-RADS
Score per lesion
1–5 score with confidence and biopsy recommendation.
- 04 Impression
Summary and next step
Read this first - overall PI-RADS, index lesion location and MDT/biopsy recommendation.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Imaging is usually covered by UK private medical insurance when there’s a specialist referral and a clear clinical indication. Screening scans in well people are almost always self-pay.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about prostate mpmri.
Quick answers on approach, recovery, risks and cost.
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Why do I need an MRI before a prostate biopsy?
NICE NG131 recommends mpMRI before biopsy because it avoids around a quarter of biopsies and finds more clinically significant cancers than a systematic biopsy alone.
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What is PI-RADS?
Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System - a 1–5 score per lesion indicating the likelihood of clinically significant cancer. 1 and 2 usually skip biopsy; 3 needs judgement; 4 and 5 warrant a targeted biopsy.
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How much does a private prostate mpMRI cost in the UK?
£600–£1,200 at 3T with contrast; £500–£900 at 1.5T. MRI-targeted biopsy at a high-volume centre is £3,000–£6,500 depending on approach.
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Is my insurer likely to cover it?
Usually yes for a raised PSA or clinical suspicion, with a urology referral. Screening MRI in a well man is typically self-pay.
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Do I need contrast for the MRI?
Multi-parametric MRI (T2 + DWI + dynamic contrast) is the standard; bi-parametric MRI without contrast is sometimes used for screening but is not the recommended clinical workup.
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What happens after PI-RADS 4 or 5?
An MRI-fusion targeted biopsy at a high-volume centre, ideally transperineal to lower infection risk. We introduce you to the right team.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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For staging and recurrence.
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PET-CT scan
FDG and other tracer PET-CT.
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Prostatectomy
Surgical removal of the prostate.
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Prostate cancer prostatectomy
Cancer prostatectomy pathway.
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Well-man health screen
PSA and cardiovascular check.
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All tests & procedures
Every test we arrange.
Learn more