MRI scans are coming soon to Lola Health. We are not taking bookings yet. In the meantime, you can book an at-home blood test, with a phlebotomist visit included.
Looking for a private MRI scan in Aberdeen? You've got options. Whether you need a quick knee or shoulder scan, a detailed brain MRI, or a comprehensive full body check, there are several private scanning centres in and around Aberdeen, and most accept self-referrals with no GP letter needed.
This page covers the Aberdeen scanning centres we expect to work with once MRI scans launch at Lola Health, how to get there, and what a private MRI involves from scan day to results.
Why Go Private for an MRI in Aberdeen?
The short answer: speed. NHS Grampian has faced persistent challenges with diagnostic imaging capacity. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary — the main hospital — has MRI waiting times of 10-20 weeks for routine scans. The trust serves a vast geographical area covering Aberdeenshire, Moray, and parts of the Highlands, which spreads scanner capacity thin. Recruitment and retention of radiographers in the north-east has been an ongoing issue.
Going private means you can typically get an appointment within a few days. You choose the centre, the time slot, and you're in and out within an hour. No referral letters, no chasing your GP surgery, no waiting for a letter that may or may not arrive.
There are other reasons too. Private MRI centres tend to have newer scanners, more comfortable facilities, and more time allocated per patient. Your scan is reported by a consultant radiologist (the same grade of doctor who reports NHS scans), and you get your results within 7 working days rather than waiting for an NHS follow-up appointment that might be weeks away.
MRI Scanning Centres in Aberdeen
Here are the private MRI centres in Aberdeen and the surrounding Aberdeenshire area that we expect to work with once MRI scans launch at Lola Health. All centres use modern MRI equipment and have scans reported by consultant radiologists.
Nuffield Health Aberdeen — The Albyn Hospital
Address: 21-24 Albyn Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1RW
Getting there: West end of the city centre, 15 min walk from Aberdeen station. On-street parking on Albyn Place. Several bus routes nearby.
Scanner: 1.5T Siemens
The main private hospital in Aberdeen. City centre location in the historic west end. Well-established imaging department.
Spire Aberdeen — Murrayfield Hospital
Address: 173 North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9LX
Getting there: 4 miles west of the city centre in Cults. Free parking on site. First Bus route 19 from Union Street.
Scanner: 1.5T scanner
Set in pleasant surroundings on the edge of the city. Modern facilities with a dedicated MRI suite.
Alliance Medical — Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Address: Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN
Getting there: 2 miles west of the city centre on the Foresterhill campus. Free parking (limited — arrive early). Multiple bus routes from Union Street.
Scanner: 1.5T scanner
Private MRI slots within the main hospital campus. Good option for patients who want access to the ARI's broader facilities.
Availability will depend on the centre. Pricing will be confirmed when MRI scans launch at Lola Health.
What Scans Will Be Available in Aberdeen?
When MRI scans launch at Lola Health, we expect to offer the following scans at Aberdeen centres:
| Scan Type | Includes |
|---|---|
| Brain MRI | Neurological screening, tumour detection, stroke assessment |
| Knee MRI | Ligament, cartilage, meniscus assessment |
| Shoulder MRI | Rotator cuff, impingement, labral tears |
| Lumbar Spine MRI | Disc herniation, spinal stenosis, nerve compression |
| Hip MRI | Labral tears, arthritis, AVN screening |
| Cardiac MRI | Heart structure, function, cardiomyopathy screening |
| Prostate MRI | PI-RADS scoring, cancer screening |
| Full Body Base | Brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis |
| Full Body Plus | Base + cardiac imaging, vascular assessment |
| Full Body Comprehensive | Plus + joint imaging, extended sequences |
What to Expect on Scan Day
If it's your first MRI, here's a quick rundown so you know exactly what's happening.
Before you arrive: You'll get a confirmation email with your appointment time, the centre address, and any preparation instructions. Most scans don't need any prep — just wear comfortable clothes without metal zips or buttons. Leave jewellery and watches at home.
At the centre: Arrive 15 minutes early to complete a short safety questionnaire. The radiographer will check for any metal implants, pacemakers, or other contraindications. You'll be given a locker for your belongings and might need to change into a gown depending on the scan.
During the scan: You'll lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. MRI machines are noisy — you'll hear knocking, buzzing, and whirring sounds, which is completely normal. You'll be given ear defenders or headphones. The radiographer will talk to you through an intercom and you'll have a squeeze ball to press if you need to stop at any point. Most scans take 20-45 minutes depending on the area being imaged.
After the scan: You can get up and leave straight away. There's no recovery time, no side effects, and no radiation exposure (MRI uses magnetic fields, not X-rays). You can drive home, go back to work, eat and drink normally.
Getting your results: A consultant radiologist will review your images and write a detailed report. You'll receive this within 7 working days, along with access to your images. If anything needs urgent attention, the team will contact you sooner.
Private MRI vs NHS in Aberdeen
NHS Grampian's MRI waits are among the longest in Scotland, regularly exceeding 10 weeks for routine referrals and sometimes stretching to 20 weeks. The geography doesn't help — the trust covers a huge area with a relatively small number of scanners. Private MRI in Aberdeen cuts through this. You can typically get an appointment within a week and have your results within 7 working days.
It's worth noting that private MRI doesn't replace NHS care. If your scan reveals something that needs treatment, you can take your results straight to your GP or a consultant. Having a detailed MRI report in hand often speeds up the NHS pathway significantly — your GP doesn't need to refer you for imaging because it's already done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI in Aberdeen?
No. Private MRI centres generally accept self-referrals, so you don't need a GP letter. If you do have a referral letter or relevant medical history, it can be useful context for the reporting radiologist — but it's entirely optional.
How much does a private MRI cost in Aberdeen?
Pricing will be confirmed when MRI scans launch at Lola Health.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most individual scans take 20-45 minutes. Full body scans take 60-90 minutes. The centre will give you an accurate time estimate before your scan.
Is MRI safe?
Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — not radiation. There's no X-ray exposure, no injection required for most scans, and no recovery time. The main safety consideration is metal: if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, or metal fragments in your body, you'll need to discuss this with the team before your scan.
When will I get my results?
Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist, and you'll receive a detailed written report within 7 working days. If anything requires urgent attention, the team will contact you sooner. You'll also get access to your scan images.
Other MRI Scan Locations
Not based in Aberdeen? Read our guides to private MRI centres in other UK cities:
At-Home Blood Testing
Check your levels from home
Professional phlebotomist visit. Doctor-reviewed results in 2-5 days. Track your health with comprehensive blood panels.
→45-70 biomarkers tested · Venous blood draw · From £130