Services
Open MRI Scans

Open MRI Scans

An open MRI scanner provides a stress-free alternative to a traditional MRI scanner, perfect for claustrophobic and anxious patients, people with restricted mobility, or those needing a weight-bearing, standing, or seated MRI scan.

Private Open MRI Scans

London

Book a consultation call with our clinicians for expert scan advice for just £50. Plus, you'll get a no-obligation referral if imaging is recommended.

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When are open MRI scans used?

Open MRI scans are safe and versatile, and may provide a much more comfortable experience for anxious, claustrophobic, overweight or reduced mobility patients.

Anxious patients

Open MRI scanners do not fully encase you, create less noise, and the room around you is visible for a more comfortable experience if you have claustrophobia and anxiety.

Size or mobility concerns

Conventional tunnel scanners require you to lie flat and very still in an enclosed space. For larger patients or those with restricted movement, sitting or standing in an open MRI is more comfortable.

Weight-bearing positions

Some open MRI systems can be tilted to enable standing or seated upright MRI scans, which can help radiologists diagnose the causes of symptoms which may not be present lying down.

Non-complex scans

Some complex imaging or small body part scans may be unsuitable for an Open MRI system, as the lower magnetic field can reduce image quality compared to tunnel MRI scanners.

What are open and upright MRI scans?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of medical scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed pictures of the inside of the body.

Unlike a traditional closed MRI scanner, an open or upright MRI scanner doesn't surround you on all sides, reducing the discomfort of an enclosed space. This enables patients with claustrophobia, anxiety issues, or reduced mobility to have a more comfortable scanning experience. You’ll be able to see the scanning room around you, and some machines can even be tilted upright, to enable seated or standing MRI scans.

What does an open MRI scan look like?

Different models of open MRI scanner are available. Generally, an open MRI will have magnets above and below you, or on either side of you if upright, rather than all around you like a traditional scanner, which is an enclosed tunnel. Some scanners will have a flat bed you'll lie on during the MRI procedure, while others may have an upright chair or standing space. Some modern facilities have screens so you can watch television while being scanned.

How do I prepare for an MRI scan?

MRI scans are safe and non-invasive, and preparations are minimal. We will let you know ahead of time if you need to do anything in particular, like avoiding eating or drinking beforehand. You might also need to complete medical history and consent forms at your scanning centre.

The scanner's strong magnets can interact with metal objects, so we recommend wearing soft, comfortable clothing with no metal fastenings. You will be asked to remove glasses, belts, watches, jewellery, dentures and hearing aids. You might be asked to change into a medical gown.

How long does it take to get private MRI scan results?

After your MRI scan, a radiologist will examine your images, and compile a report of their findings.

The radiologist will then send your results to our clinical team, which can take up to a week. They will check your results, and email a copy to you.

If anything adverse is noted in your report, your clinician will provide a post-scan consultation call to explain the results and next steps.

Open MRI Scan Costs

When you book a private Open MRI with Scan.com, you'll receive a full, end-to-end package of care, starting from just £305.

Our scan costs vary depending on the pricing set by the individual scanning centres.

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Private Open MRI Scan

Starting from £305

Quick and easy referral process, with support from a dedicated expert clinician

Your Open and Upright MRI scan, at a selected location near you

Digital access to your radiologist's report, and the option to request copies of your images as required.

If there are any next steps or adverse findings, our expert clinicians will provide a post-scan phone consultation to explain your scan results

How it works

  1. 01 Book online

    at a location of your choice.

  2. 02 Speak to a clinician

    to discuss your scan and symptoms.

  3. 03 Confirm your appointment

    via a call from the scanning centre.

  4. 04 Have your scan

    with our expert scanning partners.

  5. 05 Get your results

    digitally, with a follow-up clinician call.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about booking an Open and Upright MRI scan with us, visit our FAQ guide.

Can't see an answer to your question? Our friendly patient care team are happy to help.

More FAQs

Dedicated Care

By a team of experienced clinicians

Meet our team of expert radiologists, osteopaths, physiotherapists and general practitioners. They're here to provide the highest standards of care throughout your scanning journey.

Private Open MRI Scan

Scanning Locations

Our growing network of 150+ scanning sites includes multiple open and upright scanners:

Other scanning services

We're the UK's largest diagnostic imaging provider, and we offer a wide range of scan types to suit your needs.