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.
If you're looking for a private MRI scan in Southampton, MRI scans are coming soon to Lola Health. When they launch, we expect to offer access to 3+ scanning centres across the city centre, Bassett, and across Hampshire. You won't need a GP referral, and we expect appointments to be available within a few days — compared to 8-14 weeks on the NHS.
This page covers the clinics we expect to work with in Southampton, how to get there, and what to expect on the day.
MRI Scanning Centres in Southampton
These are the main private MRI centres we expect to work with in Southampton once MRI scans launch at Lola Health. All use modern 1.5T or 3T MRI machines and have scans reported by consultant radiologists.
InHealth — Spire Southampton — Bassett
Address: Chalybeate Close, SO16 6UY
Getting there: Bus 1 from city centre (15 min). Free on-site parking.
Scanner: 3T and 1.5T scanners
Major Spire hospital serving Hampshire.
Alliance Medical — Southampton General — Bassett
Address: Tremona Road, SO16 6YD
Getting there: Bus U1 from city centre (15 min). Hospital car parks (pay & display).
Scanner: 1.5T Siemens
On the SGH campus.
Nuffield Health Wessex — Chandler's Ford
Address: Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford, SO53 2DW
Getting there: Chandler's Ford station (10 min walk). Free car park.
Scanner: 1.5T scanner
Modern diagnostic suite on the edge of Southampton.
Scans We Plan to Offer in Southampton
When MRI scans launch at Lola Health, we plan to offer the following scans at centres in Southampton. Pricing will be confirmed at launch.
Full Body MRI Packages
- Full Body Base — Brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. A solid baseline check if you want a broad view of your health.
- Full Body Plus — Everything in Base, plus cardiac imaging and vascular assessment.
- Full Body Comprehensive — The most thorough option. All of Plus, with additional joint imaging and extended sequences.
Individual Body-Part Scans
- Brain MRI — For headaches, dizziness, or neurological screening
- Knee MRI — Ligament, cartilage, and meniscus injuries
- Shoulder MRI — Rotator cuff injuries, impingement, tears
- Lumbar Spine MRI — Disc herniations, spinal stenosis, nerve compression
- Cardiac MRI — Heart structure and function
- Hip MRI — Labral tears, arthritis, avascular necrosis
- Prostate MRI — Multi-parametric imaging for early assessment
- Abdomen MRI — Liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen
- Pelvis MRI — Pelvic organs and structures
- Liver MRI — Focused liver assessment
- Whole Spine MRI — Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar in one session
What to Expect on the Day
Arrive 15 minutes early so the radiographer can go through the safety questionnaire. You'll change into a gown (lockers provided) and remove anything metal — jewellery, watches, belts, hair clips. The radiographer will explain exactly what happens, then position you on the scanner table.
During the scan you lie still while the machine captures images. It's loud — you'll get ear plugs or headphones. Some centres let you listen to music. The radiographer talks to you through an intercom and you'll have a buzzer to press if you need to stop at any point.
For certain scans (cardiac, prostate, liver with contrast), you may have a small injection of gadolinium contrast dye through a cannula. The radiographer will discuss this with you beforehand.
MRI and Blood Testing
An MRI shows you what things look like inside your body. Blood testing tells you how things are working. Together, they give you a much more useful picture than either one alone.
Our Peak 70 blood test covers 70+ biomarkers: cardiovascular risk (cholesterol, Lp(a), ApoB), hormones (testosterone, oestradiol, DHEA-S), thyroid function, liver and kidney panels, vitamins, minerals, and inflammation markers. Start with our Peak 70 blood test now, and add an MRI once scans launch, for the closest thing to a full health MOT.
Common Questions About Private MRI in Southampton
How much does a private MRI cost in Southampton?
Pricing will be confirmed when MRI scans launch at Lola Health.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. When MRI scans launch at Lola Health, you won't need a GP referral. Every request will be reviewed by a clinician to make sure the scan protocol is right for your situation.
How long is the waiting time for a private MRI in Southampton?
Private MRI appointments are usually available within a few days. Compare that to 8-14 weeks for an NHS MRI in Southampton.
How long does the scan take?
Individual scans typically take 30-60 minutes. Full body packages take 60-90 minutes. Allow an extra 15 minutes either side for check-in and changing.
Is MRI safe?
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — no ionising radiation. It's one of the safest forms of medical imaging. You can't have an MRI if you have certain metal implants or a pacemaker, so you'll always need to declare any implants before a scan.
When do I get results?
Once MRI scans launch at Lola Health, we expect results to be ready within 5-7 working days. A consultant radiologist will review every scan and write a detailed report, and you will be contacted to go through the findings.
Can I claim the cost on health insurance?
Some policies cover private MRI scans, so check with your insurer first. Once MRI scans launch at Lola Health, we expect to provide the documentation you'll need for a claim.
Other Guides You Might Find Useful
- MRI Scan Pricing — An overview of every scan type
- Full Body MRI Scan Guide — What's included in each package
- All UK MRI Scan Locations — Find centres in other cities
- Cancer Screening MRI — Using MRI for early cancer detection
- Cardiac MRI Guide — Everything about heart MRI scanning
- Prostate MRI Guide — Multi-parametric prostate imaging explained
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