Private MRI Scans in Surrey
At Alaya Health, we offer private MRI scans in Surrey for patients who need fast, clear answers and reassurance. If you're worried about waiting lists or want immediate access to state-of-the-art imaging, you can book a swift MRI scan at our calm and supportive clinic. We use the modern Siemens 1.5T wide-bore MRI scanner, designed to minimise feelings of claustrophobia and help you feel at ease throughout the process. For additional comfort, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member to sit with you in the scan room during your MRI.
From the moment you contact us, our diagnostic team ensures your MRI experience is smooth and stress-free. At Alaya Health, you can self-refer and book an MRI scan directly without needing a GP or specialist referral, allowing you to access fast answers and reassurance when you need them most. Our team will guide you through every step of the process.
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a safe, non-invasive test that produces highly detailed images of the organs and structures inside your body. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, making it particularly suitable for imaging soft tissues such as the brain, spine, muscles, ligaments and internal organs.
MRI scans are commonly used to help diagnose a wide range of conditions and to monitor ongoing health concerns, offering exceptional clarity and accuracy.
What is an MRI with contrast?
In some cases, your scan may require a contrast injection to provide even more detailed images. This involves a contrast agent called gadolinium, which is administered through a small cannula in your arm.
The contrast helps highlight areas such as inflammation, infection, tumours and blood vessels, allowing for a more precise diagnosis. Contrast is widely used and considered very safe, with serious reactions being extremely rare.
What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
MRI and CT scans are both advanced imaging techniques used to look inside the body, but they work in different ways.
MRI scans use magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images, particularly of soft tissues such as the brain, spine, joints and organs. CT scans use X-rays and are often better suited for imaging bones or in emergency situations.
Because MRI does not use radiation, it is often the preferred option where appropriate. However, it may not be suitable for patients with certain metal implants or medical devices, in which case a CT scan may be recommended.
What Do MRI Scans Look For?
MRI scans provide clear, highly detailed images of many different parts of the body. Here's how our expert team at Alaya Health puts them to use for our patients:
Abdomen
Produces detailed images of abdominal organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen to help detect inflammation, tumours, or unexplained abdominal symptoms.
Achilles Tendon
Produces detailed images of the Achilles tendon to help detect inflammation, tears, degeneration or tendon-related pain affecting the back of the ankle.
Adrenal Glands
Produces detailed images of the adrenal glands to help detect abnormalities such as enlargement, nodules or tumours, and to assess potential hormonal disorders.
Cardiac
Produces detailed images of the heart to assess its structure and function, helping to detect abnormalities such as heart muscle disease, inflammation, or issues affecting blood flow.
Cervical Spine
Examines the neck region of the spine to identify disc problems, nerve compression, spinal cord abnormalities, or causes of neck pain, arm pain, or tingling.
Coccyx
Produces detailed images of the tailbone and surrounding soft tissues to help detect fractures, inflammation, or causes of persistent lower back or sitting-related pain.
Elbow
Assesses bones, tendons, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues to identify injuries, inflammation, nerve compression, or chronic elbow pain.
Foot and Ankle
Visualises bones, joints, ligaments and soft tissues to detect stress fractures, tendon injuries, inflammation, or causes of chronic pain, while also assessing for sprains, tears, cartilage damage or joint instability following injury.
Gynaecological / Female Pelvis
Focuses on the uterus, ovaries and surrounding reproductive organs to help diagnose conditions such as fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic pain.
Hand
Provides detailed imaging of the small bones, joints and soft tissues of the hand to assess injuries, inflammation, arthritis, or nerve conditions.
Head/brain
Analyses the brain, skull and surrounding tissues to detect abnormalities, tumours, or to explore causes of headaches, dizziness, or memory problems.
Hip
Examines the hip joint and surrounding soft tissues to help diagnose inflammation, arthritis or unexplained joint pain.
Internal Auditory Meatus
(IAMS/IAC)
Examines the inner ear canals and surrounding nerves to investigate hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, balance problems, or possible nerve tumours.
Kidney
Produces detailed images of the kidneys to help detect abnormalities such as cysts, tumours, stones, or causes of pain, infection, or impaired kidney function.
Leg and Calf
Produces detailed images of the muscles, bones and soft tissues of the lower leg to help detect muscle tears, inflammation, stress injuries, or causes of pain, swelling or reduced mobility.
Liver
Provides detailed views of liver structure and blood vessels, helping reveal diseases, tumours, or liver damage.
Lumbar spine
Focuses on the lower spine (last five vertebrae), highlighting issues causing back pain, sciatica, or leg numbness.
MRCP
(Magnetic Resonance Cholangio Pancreatography)
Evaluates bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder for blockages, inflammation, or tumours.
Neck
Produces detailed images of the neck structures, including soft tissues, glands and surrounding anatomy, to help detect abnormalities, inflammation, lumps or causes of pain or swelling.
Orbits
Produces detailed images of the eye sockets and surrounding structures to help detect abnormalities affecting the eyes, muscles or optic nerves, including inflammation, tumours or causes of visual disturbance.
Pelvis
Produces detailed images of the pelvic organs, bones and surrounding soft tissues to investigate pain, inflammation, tumours, or other abnormalities.
Pituitary Gland & Fossa
Focuses on the small gland at the base of the brain to detect tumours, hormonal abnormalities, or causes of headaches, vision changes, or endocrine disorders.
Prostate
Provides detailed imaging of the prostate gland to help detect enlargement, inflammation, or possible prostate cancer.
Shoulder
Evaluates the shoulder joint, rotator cuff tendons, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues to diagnose tears, inflammation, instability, or persistent shoulder pain.
Sinus
Produces detailed images of the sinus cavities to help detect inflammation, infection, blockages or structural abnormalities causing sinus pain, congestion or chronic sinusitis.
Small Bowel
Produces detailed images of the small intestine to help detect inflammation, strictures, tumours or causes of abdominal pain, bleeding or digestive symptoms.
Testicular
Produces detailed images of the testes and surrounding structures to help detect abnormalities such as lumps, inflammation, torsion or causes of pain or swelling.
Thoracic Spine
Scans the middle back to look for vertebrae, disc or nerve problems that can cause pain, numbness, or tingling.
Thyroid Gland
Produces detailed images of the thyroid to help detect nodules, enlargement or other abnormalities, and to assess causes of swelling or suspected thyroid disease.
Whole Body Scan
A comprehensive scan assessing multiple organs and body systems to help detect abnormalities, tumours, inflammation, or underlying health concerns.
Whole Spine
Provides a comprehensive assessment of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine to identify disc disease, nerve compression, inflammation, or structural abnormalities.
Wrist
Examines the complex structures of the wrist, including bones, ligaments and tendons, to diagnose fractures, ligament injuries, arthritis, or unexplained pain.
With express appointments and results usually available in 24 to 48 hours, private MRI scans in Surrey from Alaya Health are perfect for anyone seeking clinical excellence, compassion, and rapid diagnosis.
Is an MRI safe?
An MRI scan is considered a very safe and non-invasive procedure for most people when standard safety guidelines are followed. As it does not use radiation, it is a preferred imaging method for many conditions.
MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, which are not harmful, but they can affect certain metal implants or medical devices. For this reason, you will be carefully screened before your scan to ensure it is safe for you.
If your scan requires contrast, a gadolinium-based agent may be used to enhance image quality. This is widely used and generally very safe, with only a small risk of mild allergic reaction. Our clinical team are fully trained to manage any reactions, should they occur.
MRI scans using contrast are not routinely performed during pregnancy unless clinically necessary, and this will always be discussed with you beforehand.
MRI Scan Process
- Easily self-refer and book your scan at a time that suits you
- Attend your appointment at our centre — you are welcome to bring a friend or relative for reassurance
- Your scan will be carried out in a calm, comfortable environment and typically takes around 30 minutes
- Your images will be available immediately following your scan
- A detailed MRI report will be securely sent to you by email, usually within 24–48 hours
- You may then continue care with your clinician or book a consultation with one of our private GPs to review your result and advise on next steps.
Prices
- MRI 1 Part: £500
- MRI 2 Parts: £700
- MRI 3 Parts: £900
- MRI 4 Parts: £1100
- MRI 5 Parts: £1300
- MRI 6 Parts: £1500
- MRI Angiography (1 Part): £800
- MRI Arthrogram: £1000
- MRI Contrast: £150
- MRI Enteroclysis (Small Bowel): £900
- MRI Full Body: £2200
- MRI Gynae/Pelvic: £800
- MRI Liver: £700
- MRI Prostate: £900
- MRI Renal: £700
Choosing private imaging in Surrey with Alaya Health means you can skip lengthy waits and get specialist advice rapidly. Our team, made up of hand-picked consultants and practitioners, is focused on offering you clarity, reassurance, and a fast route to diagnosis.
Common Questions About MRI Scans
How do I prepare for an MRI scan?
Preparing for your MRI scan is simple, and our team will guide you through everything you need to know before your appointment.
Because MRI scanners use powerful magnets, it’s important to let us know in advance if you have any metal implants, medical devices, or previous injuries involving metal fragments. This includes items such as pacemakers, implants, stents or surgical clips. Our team will carefully review this information to ensure your scan is safe and suitable for you.
On the day of your appointment, you will be asked to remove any metal items, including jewellery, watches, hair accessories and clothing with metal fastenings, as these can interfere with the scan. You may be provided with a gown if needed.
If you use medical devices such as an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, or if you are pregnant, have difficulty lying flat, or feel anxious in enclosed spaces, please let us know in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements and ensure your comfort.
Most importantly, there is very little you need to do — simply arrive for your appointment, and our experienced team will take care of the rest, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience throughout.
How quickly can I get a private MRI scan in Surrey at Alaya Health?
We offer express and same day MRI appointments in Surrey for rapid diagnosis, subject to availability.
Do I need a referral to book a private MRI scan at Alaya Health?
No referral is needed. You can book an MRI scan without referral to access private imaging in Surrey.
Which body areas can be scanned with your MRI service?
We scan all major body areas including head, brain, spine, knee, hips, abdomen, pelvis, and more at our Surrey clinic.
What type of MRI scanner is used at Alaya Health?
We use a Siemens 1.5T wide-bore MRI scanner, which is more comfortable and reduces claustrophobia during scans.
Will I get results quickly from my private MRI scan?
Yes, our diagnostic team ensures you receive your MRI results swiftly, often on the same or next working day.
Can contrast dye be used during my MRI scan?
Yes, we can administer contrast dye if clinically required to enhance image clarity for better diagnostic results.
Who performs MRI scans?
All MRI scans at Alaya Health are carried out by highly trained and experienced radiographers, who specialise in diagnostic imaging. Your scan will be reviewed and reported by a specialist consultant radiologist, ensuring accurate, high-quality results you can trust.
How long does an MRI scan take?
An MRI scan typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined. Some more detailed scans may take slightly longer. Throughout your appointment, our team will ensure you are comfortable and supported, and will keep you informed at every stage.
Book Your Express MRI Scan Today.
Ready to skip the wait? Call us on 020 3475 4757 or email enquiries@alayahealth.co.uk to book your private MRI scan in Surrey now. Discover a compassionate, clinically excellent team ready to put you first at every stage. For more details or to find out about our other services, visit our Imaging and Diagnostics page.
ABOUT ALAYA HEALTH
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Registered number: 16542352. A Company Registered in England and Wales.
Registered office: The Clockhouse Annex, 4B Dorking Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7LX Copyright 2026 – Alaya Health Ltd