Private MRI Scan, Cardiff

A private MRI at Acorn Private Clinic costs £435 for one body area (e.g. one knee, lumbar spine) or £730 for two areas (saving £140 vs booking separately). The price includes the scan itself, digital images, a detailed Consultant Radiologist report, and a discussion with your referrer. No hidden extras.

Most MRI appointments at Acorn are available within 5-7 days of referral. Urgent slots are often available within 48 hours. This compares to NHS MRI wait times that can run from several weeks to several months depending on the body area and urgency.

Yes — MRI requires a referral from a registered healthcare professional (GP, physiotherapist, consultant, osteopath or chiropractor). They complete our online referral form. If you don't have a referrer, book a Private GP consultation with us — our GPs can assess you and arrange the referral in the same visit (£105).

Our MRI scanner is located at Asda Pentwyn, Cardiff (CF23 8NL) — East Cardiff, with free on-site parking. It's about 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre. Pre-scan consultations and results reviews can be arranged at our main clinic in Penarth (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD).

We offer MRI scanning across the body including: head and brain, cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, hip and pelvis, knee, ankle and foot, abdomen and pelvic organs, and whole-spine scans. For breast MRI please let us know at referral as specialist protocols apply.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing without any metal — no zips, underwiring, belts, buckles or metallic prints. You may be asked to change into a gown. Remove all jewellery, watches, hearing aids and removable dental work before the scan. If you have a hip replacement, cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant or any other metal implant, tell us at referral — some implants make MRI unsafe.

Most MRI scans take 15-45 minutes depending on the body area and protocol. A knee scan is typically 20-25 minutes; a lumbar spine scan around 25-30 minutes; a brain scan around 30-40 minutes. You'll lie still on a motorised table that slides into the scanner. It's noisy but headphones are provided.

Many patients with mild claustrophobia manage MRI fine — staff stay with you on intercom, the scanner is open at both ends, and you can ask to stop at any time. For severe claustrophobia, talk to your GP about a mild oral sedative for the appointment, or consider an open MRI elsewhere. Tell us in advance so we can plan accordingly.

MRI uses no ionising radiation and is generally considered safe in pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester. However it's usually avoided in the first 12 weeks unless absolutely necessary. Discuss with your referrer if pregnant or possibly pregnant — we may suggest alternative imaging like ultrasound.

MRI is best for deep joints, spine, brain and detailed internal anatomy. Ultrasound is best for superficial soft tissue, tendons, lumps, and abdominal organs — and is quicker, cheaper and doesn't require a referral. See our ultrasound page for details, or book a GP consultation if you're unsure which you need.

Yes — our MRI reports are produced by UK-registered Consultant Radiologists and are accepted by NHS GPs, consultants and onward referral pathways. With your permission, we can send the report directly to your NHS GP or any other clinician.

Acorn Private Clinic offers private MRI at our Asda Pentwyn location in Cardiff (CF23 8NL) — serving patients across South Wales including Cardiff, Penarth, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea, and the Vale of Glamorgan. From £435 for one area.