CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Private breast MRI scan
- Rapid access across London, Manchester and Birmingham
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- All scans are reviewed by a consultant radiologist
Jump to
BREAST MRI SCAN AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, affecting around one in eight women each year. At HCA Healthcare UK, women’s health is our priority.
Across our hospitals and diagnostic centres in London, Birmingham and Manchester and our dedicated Breast Units, we offer fast access to expert-led breast MRI scans using advanced 3T technology for accurate diagnosis, personalised care and the highest quality imaging.
Across our hospitals and diagnostic centres in London, Birmingham and Manchester and our dedicated Breast Units, we offer fast access to expert-led breast MRI scans using advanced 3T technology for accurate diagnosis, personalised care and the highest quality imaging.
Along with many targeted imaging techniques, breast MRI is a very useful tool to assess the tissue within the breast, chest wall and axilla (armpit area) for the diagnosis of many conditions of both natural breast and chest tissue as well as breast implants. It helps with early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of various breast conditions, including cancer.
You may be referred for a breast MRI if:
- You are at a high risk of breast cancer
- Your consultant needs a clearer view of your breast tissue
- You have symptoms of breast cancer
- You’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer
- You have breast implants and symptoms that need investigation
MRI contrast is often used during a breast MRI to help create clearer, more detailed images. A small cannula will be placed in a vein in your arm to allow the contrast dye to be gently injected. This enhances the scan, helping our expert breast radiologists see the breast tissue and surrounding areas as clearly as possible.
3T MRI refers to the strength of the scanner. It produces high-resolution images that give radiologists a more accurate picture of your breast and surrounding areas, helping spot changes early and with precision.
Unlike other imaging techniques, such as CT scanning, it does not use radiation. This makes it a safe option for repeated imaging, especially for conditions that require ongoing monitoring or when radiation dose is a consideration for paediatric patients.
Next-day scans available
Get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
Highly skilled specialist radiologists
For better scan selections, accurate results and insightful reports.
Wider scanners for a more comfortable experience
Expertise in supporting anxious and claustrophobic patients.
Locations - Hospitals
You can arrange a private breast MRI at many of our HCA Healthcare UK hospitals and diagnostic centres across London, Manchester and Birmingham. Our dedicated imaging teams will guide you through every step, from quick, accurate diagnoses to creating a personalised treatment plan.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Locations - outpatient centres
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
Your patient journey
Your private breast MRI with HCA UK
From your initial consultation through to diagnosis and treatment, we want you to feel informed and reassured. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
You’ll be in good hands – all our scans are carried out by our expert teams of radiographers who will support you through the whole scanning process.
01
Before your breast MRI scan
Your doctor will usually send a referral to our dedicated imaging booking team. The booking team will then send all the information you need to prepare for your scan, including what to leave at home (such as metal or jewellery), and whether you need to fast. If you have a pacemaker or other medical implant, we’ll ask you to provide details.
02
During your breast MRI scan
Your MRI radiographer will guide you through the process, explain safety steps and ask you to complete a questionnaire. You will be given a gown for the scan, and you may be given an injection of ‘contrast’ medication to enhance the images. For your comfort, we can offer music or podcasts to listen to during the scan.
03
After your breast MRI scan
A specialist consultant radiologist will report on your scan. This will usually be sent to your referring doctor within 48 hours. Your consultant will then be able to arrange any further tests or treatments necessary. Rest assured, you’ll receive all the expert care and support you need before, during and after your scan.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And, to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Book an appointment
Private breast MRI FAQs
On average, most MRI scans last between 20 and 60 minutes, but in some cases, they can take longer. The length of your scan depends on how many images need to be taken and if an MRI contrast injection is required.
Your radiographer will explain everything to you. You’ll lie on your front on a specially designed scanner bed, with your breasts positioned into cushioned openings. This allows for clear imaging while keeping you as comfortable as possible. You’ll need to stay still during the scan, and your radiographer will talk to you throughout the scan.
Some of our specialist MRI scans may require you to fast for a few hours prior to your breast MRI scan. If this is a requirement for your scan, this will be communicated to you at the time of your booking for your scheduled breast MRI appointment.
Yes, in most cases you’ll still be able to have an MRI scan, but it may take longer to schedule your appointment.
If you have a pacemaker or another type of implant inside your body, it is very important that the radiography team is made aware of this implant before you come for your MRI scan.
We may need time to request additional documented evidence of the make and model number of your device, who carried out the surgery, and/or in which facility you had the device implanted.
This information will allow the radiography team to establish the safety rating of the implant*, have the radiologist protocol your MRI scan and prepare any safety measures required to carry out your MRI scan safely.
In some cases, implants may require the presence of specialist staff to attend your MRI scan. They may be needed to fit additional kit to your device to make it safe or to monitor you during your scan.
Pacemaker patients, for example, will require a cardiac technician to be present to put your pacemaker into ‘safe mode’ and to reset it when the scan is complete.
*Please note that if your implanted device is found not to be compatible for any reason, then this will be communicated to you and/or your referring doctor or consultant. If you have any further questions or need advice about what alternative imaging techniques are available to you, please consult your doctor or consultant.
Yes, you can. If you require a copy of your images for any reason, please let the radiographer know at the time of your scan.
We have a dedicated team that provides this service and they’re reachable via email at any time after your scan. You’ll need to tell them your full name, date of birth and address, the type of scan you had and the date it took place*.
The team will then be able to contact you (via email) when your images are available and provide instructions on how to access your images. You’ll be able to download a copy of your images for yourself and/or share the images with anyone of your choosing.
*Please be aware that if you do not provide the required information to process your request, this may delay access to your images.
The cost of your MRI scan varies, depending on what body part (or parts) are to be scanned, whether contrast dye is required and if any specialist teams are needed in addition to your MRI scan.
If you need to find out more about our MRI costs, please call the Self Pay team on 0207 234 2948, so we can put you in touch with the relevant team at your chosen facility.
In most cases, we would prefer to do the breast MRI scan after the baby is born for the safety of you and your unborn child. However, if your referring doctor believes your particular health issue may be of an urgent nature and the risks of not doing the MRI outweigh the risks to you and the baby, then an MRI may be considered in this case. Your referring doctor will communicate the risks and benefits of this procedure to you, for your consent and consult our consultant radiologist for advice prior to agreeing to your breast MRI scan.
Children under the age of 16 cannot be left unattended while you have your scan. Please arrange childcare for when you visit our facilities for an MRI scan.
However, if you have an adult family member with you when you are visiting us, then they’ll need to be responsible for your child/children while you have your scan.
Please be aware that if you have brought a child with you for a consultation with one of our doctors and they refer you for an MRI scan on the same day, you’ll need to find childcare if you wish to stay for your scan.
Our staff cannot be responsible for your dependents while you undergo any imaging procedure at our facilities. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding with our policy that ensures the safety of your children.
In order for you to make an appointment for a breast MRI scan, we must first receive a referral letter (imaging request form) from your GP or other registered health professional with referral rights. You can also book an appointment with one of our HCA UK private GPs, who can refer you directly for your breast MRI scan with us.
Reviewed by
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.