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Help Centre

Find answers to common questions about private MRI, full-body MRI, CT, ultrasound, and more. Browse by category or click below for detailed answers.

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Booking FAQs

More Booking FAQs
How do I book a private MRI in the UK?

Follow-up explanation:‍Booking a private MRI in the UK can be quick and does not require a GP referral when you use GetScanned. Choose from a natio...

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Can I book a full-body MRI scan online?

Follow-up explanation:Booking a full-body MRI with GetScanned is simple and fully online. From our full-body MRI page, click “Book now” to choose y...

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Can I have a full-body MRI on the NHS?

Follow-up explanation:Full-body MRI scans are not part of standard NHS care. NHS MRI services are usually requested by a GP or specialist for targe...

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Pricing FAQs

More Pricing FAQs
How much does a private MRI cost in the UK?

Follow-up explanation:Private MRI scan prices in the UK vary depending on the body part being scanned, the location of the clinic, and whether cont...

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Is a private full-body MRI worth it?

A private full-body MRI scan provides a broad overview of your internal organs, muscles, tissues, and joints in a single session. Unlike targeted M...

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Why does a full-body MRI cost more?

Follow-up explanation:The cost of a full-body MRI scan is higher than that of a single-area MRI because of the scope and complexity involved. Inste...

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Preparation FAQs

More Preparation FAQs
Can I eat or drink before an MRI scan?

Follow-up explanation:MRI scans generally do not require any changes to your diet. In most cases, you can continue eating and drinking right up to ...

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Do I need to prepare for a full-body MRI scan?

Follow-up explanation:Unlike some medical procedures, a full-body MRI usually requires minimal preparation. You can continue eating and drinking as...

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How long does a private MRI take?

Follow-up explanationScan type & body part – Smaller areas such as the knee, ankle, or wrist usually take around 15–30 minutes. Larger areas li...

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What happens during an MRI scan?

Follow-up explanationMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a widely used diagnostic tool that provides clear, detailed pictures of organs, tissues, a...

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How noisy is an MRI and will I get ear protection?

Follow-up explanationThe MRI machine works by using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your body. This process generates ...

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What's the difference between an open and closed MRI?

Follow-up explanationClosed MRI scanners are the traditional tube-shaped machines. They produce high-resolution images suitable for detailed diagno...

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What is an upright MRI?

Follow-up explanationUnlike traditional closed or open MRI scanners, an upright MRI provides flexibility in positioning, allowing patients to sit, ...

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Will I get contrast (gadolinium) and is it safe?

Follow-up explanationContrast agents like gadolinium help radiologists see certain tissues more clearly, improving the detection of abnormalities s...

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Can I drive after an MRI scan?

Follow-up explanationMRI scans are generally safe and do not affect a patient's ability to drive for most individuals. After a routine MRI, you can...

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Safety FAQs

More Safety FAQs
Is a full-body MRI scan safe?

Follow-up explanationMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is one of the safest medical imaging techniques available. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, it does...

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Can you have an MRI with metal or implants?

Follow-up explanationMRI scans use strong magnetic fields, so it is important to check for any implants or metal in your body. Many joint replaceme...

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Can I have an MRI with a pacemaker or defibrillator?

Follow-up explanationMRI scans use strong magnetic fields, which can interfere with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). ...

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I’m claustrophobic. What are my options for an MRI?

Follow-up explanationMRI scans require lying still inside a scanner, which for some people can trigger claustrophobia. The good news is that clinic...

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Results FAQs

More Results FAQs
How soon will I get my scan results?

Follow-up explanation:Getting results quickly is often one of the most important concerns when booking a scan. Private diagnostic centres, includin...

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Who reports my MRI – a radiologist or a consultant?

Follow-up explanationMany patients wonder whether their MRI will be reviewed by the doctor who ordered it or by a separate imaging expert. In pract...

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What does an MRI show for back pain?

Follow-up explanationAn MRI scan is one of the most accurate ways to investigate the cause of ongoing or severe back pain. While X-rays mainly show...

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MRI vs CT—what’s the difference and when is each used?

Follow-up explanationMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) are two of the most widely used medical imaging techniques, but ...

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MRI vs Ultrasound—when is MRI better?

Follow-up explanationMRI and ultrasound are both non-invasive imaging techniques, but they are used in different ways:Ultrasound is fast, widely av...

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MRI for knee pain – what does it show?

Follow-up explanationKnee pain is one of the most common joint problems, caused by injuries, arthritis, or other conditions affecting the joint. An...

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MRI for shoulder injuries – what does it show?

Follow-up explanationMRI is one of the most accurate ways to investigate shoulder pain and injuries because it provides detailed images of both bon...

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Getting a brain MRI for headaches, dizziness, or a possible tumour – what should I expect?

Follow-up explanationA brain MRI is one of the most advanced ways to examine the brain in detail. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves, n...

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Having an MRI for back pain and sciatica – what should I expect?

Follow-up explanationBack pain and sciatica (nerve pain down the leg) are among the most common reasons for medical imaging. While X-rays or CT sca...

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When is a prostate MRI recommended?

Follow-up explanationProstate MRI is a specialised scan that provides detailed images of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. It is most oft...

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Who needs a breast MRI and why?

Follow-up explanationBreast MRI is an advanced imaging test that uses magnetic resonance technology to create highly detailed images of breast tiss...

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What does a cardiac MRI diagnose?

Follow-up explanationCardiac MRI is a specialised scan that uses strong magnetic fields to build detailed pictures of the heart’s structure and fun...

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What does a cardiac MRI diagnose?

Follow-up explanationCardiac MRI is a specialised scan that uses strong magnetic fields to build detailed pictures of the heart’s structure and fun...

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Abdominal/pelvic MRI – what conditions can it detect?

Follow-up explanationAbdominal and pelvic MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of organs and soft tissu...

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Do I need a GP referral for a private scan?

Self-Referral ExplainedWith GetScanned, you can choose the scan type you need - such as a knee MRI, brain CT, or full-body MRI - and book it direct...

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How quickly can I get a private MRI appointment?

Follow-up explanation‍If you need an MRI scan quickly, private medical imaging offers significantly faster access than the NHS. With GetScanned, yo...

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Does health insurance cover a private MRI or a full-body MRI?

Follow-up explanationIn the UK, private health insurance usually covers MRI scans if there is a clear medical reason. For example, if your GP or co...

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Clinical FAQs

More Clinical FAQs
Does a full-body MRI detect all cancers?

Follow-up explanation:A full-body MRI scan is a powerful imaging tool that can highlight abnormalities across multiple organs and tissues without r...

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