At The London Clinic, we are committed to innovative patient focused technology. We were proud to be the first private hospital in the UK to offer the latest diagnostic imaging services with the new Siemens MAGNETOM Vida 3T MRI scanner in 2018. In 2024 we introduced Siemens Magnetom Lumina 3T scanner to our MRI feet in the Rapid Diagnostics Centre.
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Our Rapid Diagnostics Centre offers fast access to advanced imaging, specialist clinics and on-site testing - helping you get clarity in days, not weeks. Plus, our 24/7 private GP service is here whenever you need urgent advice.
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As a charitable hospital, we reinvest in exceptional care, research and innovation - helping us improve healthcare for patients here and far beyond our walls.
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What is it for?
For the support of diagnostics in speciality areasÂ
On this page
Overview
The Siemens MAGNETOM Vida is the first 3T MRI scanner with BioMatrix Technology. It is designed with revolutionary features to serve demands in high-end imaging.
The Siemens Magnetom Lumina has AI Deep Resolve technology that allows for faster scanner time.
3T MRI is the gold standard for specialities including orthopaedics, breast and prostate imaging.
Diagnostic information
What is a 3T MRI scanner?
A 3T MRI scanner is a large cylinder that is open at both ends. You will lie on a motorised table that is moved inside the scanner.Â
You will enter the 3T either head first or feet first, depending on the area of your body being scanned. The radiographer will use a computer to operate the 3T MRI scanner, which is placed in a different room, to keep away from the magnetic field.
You will be able to communicate with your radiographer, usually through an intercom, and they can view you at all times using a television screen.
To ensure the images are not blurred, it is crucial for your body to be still throughout the whole of the scan until the radiologist tells you to relax.
One scan can take from a couple of seconds to three or four minutes. The radiographer may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds during short scans.
The MRI scanner will make loud tapping noises at specific times throughout the procedure. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being switched on and off.Â
You may be given earplugs or headphones to wear to help. Once the scan is over, your radiographer will move you out of the scanner.
FAQs
If you’ve had a sedative for your 3T MRI scan, you will be asked to stay in the department until the effects have worn off.Â
Alternatively, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you to watch you as you recover.
It is not safe to drive, use heavy machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after having a sedative.
We are proud to use state of the art technology which supports speciality areas such as orthopaedics, musculoskeletal, oncology, breast, urology and neurology.
The benefits of a 3T MRI scanner include:
- A high resolution with an exceptional level of detail
- Each scan is tailored to you as a patient
- BioMatrix technology improves the overall qualityÂ
- Full free breathing during abdominal and cardiac exams
- High definition imaging of the prostate
- Detailed breast images to detect early changes
- Neuroradiology including spectroscopy, functional MRI, and angiography
Our priority when designing the 3T MRI suite was patient comfort.Â
The scanner offers customisable lighting and music options for a greater patient experience, ensuring you feel at ease during your stay with us.Â
When you choose us, you will have access to fast appointments. This can mean earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.Â
The radiologist will send a report to your specialist consultant who arranged the scan. The consultant will discuss the results with you.Â
It typically takes 24 hours to 48 hours for the results of a 3T MRI scan to come back.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Your journey with us
Step 1 Talk to a consultant
You’ll start by meeting one of our expert consultants. They’ll take the time to understand your concerns, talk you through any symptoms or history, and discuss the next steps. If you need tests or scans, they’ll arrange them - often on the same day.
Step 2 Get the care you need
Whether you’re having further tests, a minor procedure or surgery, we’ll support you throughout. Our facilities include state-of-the-art diagnostics and comfortable private rooms, and you’ll be cared for by a specialist team who understand your condition and treatment pathway.
Step 3 Recover with expert aftercare
Care doesn’t end when your treatment does. From one-to-one nursing to specialist therapies and dedicated aftercare support, we’ll help you recover comfortably and confidently - with your consultant and wider care team staying involved throughout.
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
Top-rated by real patients
4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.