Private MRI scans in Stafford
Stafford sits at the centre of Staffordshire, with Stone, Penkridge, Eccleshall and the villages towards Cannock Chase all within easy reach by road or rail. Waiting for answers about a painful knee, a troublesome back or unexplained neurological symptoms is hard. MRI produces detailed images of soft tissue, joints and the spine, and we make it straightforward to arrange one privately.
Stafford private MRI scan costs
Prices begin at £250 for a private MRI scan in Stafford. A clinician consultation and your referral are built into the package. Run a search to see what the centres closest to you are charging before you commit.
How do I book a private MRI scan in Stafford?
Type in your postcode, or work through the map, to see what is available. Compare centres and prices side by side, then fill in a short booking and safety form covering your medical history and the reason for the scan. Pay to confirm. No GP referral is needed, and we handle everything from there.
Why book with us?
We run the UK's largest medical imaging network, with hundreds of locations nationwide and no referral required. Booking online takes minutes, a clinician will speak to you within hours, and your scan usually follows within days. Waiting lists do not come into it, so the timing and the place are yours to choose. Results arrive digitally, ready to pass on to your healthcare professional.
Preparation for MRI scans
There is usually very little to do beforehand, though you may occasionally be asked to fast for a period before your appointment. Dress in soft, comfortable clothing without metal fastenings, so no buttons, toggles or zips. Some people are asked to change into a gown instead. The magnets inside an MRI scanner are extremely strong and react with metal, which is why glasses, jewellery, watches, belts, wallets, phones and other personal items all need to be removed. Anyone with an implanted medical device, a pacemaker for instance, may need additional preparation so the scan can be carried out safely. You will be given full instructions ahead of your appointment. If your scan uses contrast, recent blood test results showing how well your kidneys are working will be requested, since the kidneys clear the gadolinium contrast agent from your body afterwards.
The procedure
Radiographers, who are trained specifically in this kind of imaging, carry out the scan and will talk you through what happens before anything starts. You lie still on a flat bed, which then moves into the doughnut-shaped scanner. How long you are in there depends on the area being examined, anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Where contrast is required, it goes in through an IV. Expect noise. Music is usually an option, and the radiographers speak to you through headphones.
How long does it take?
Most MRI scans run between 15 and 90 minutes. The number of body areas being looked at makes the biggest difference, and whether contrast is used also plays a part. Your clinician and the imaging centre you pick will confirm what to expect for your appointment.