Compare private clinics that offer MRI of the abdomen, including MRCP of the bile ducts and pancreas, and send an enquiry to the clinic you choose.
Search MRI providers near youAn abdominal MRI takes detailed pictures of the organs in the upper part of your abdomen, such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and the ducts that carry bile. MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is a type of MRI that Cancer Research UK describes as giving detailed pictures of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. People who search for an "MRI scan of the stomach" are often looking for this kind of scan of the abdomen. Which test suits your symptoms is a question for a GP or specialist.
FindScan is a directory and enquiry service. We do not scan anyone, give medical advice or take bookings. You can compare clinics, see each clinic's own listed price as the clinic sets it, and send an enquiry. We pass your details to the clinic you chose, and the clinic takes it from there.
Cancer Research UK explains that MRCP creates pictures using magnetism and radio waves rather than X-rays. An abdominal MRI looks at the solid organs and soft tissues of the upper abdomen, while MRCP concentrates on the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. The two can be done at the same appointment.
The NHS says MRI scans are used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatment and check how well treatment is working. Cancer Research UK says an MRCP can help show whether there are abnormal areas in the abdomen and, for people already diagnosed with cancer, the size of the cancer and whether it has spread.
A scan is usually requested to answer a specific question that a GP or specialist has about your symptoms, blood test results or an earlier scan. Examples from NHS and Cancer Research UK pages include:
A private scan does not replace a GP or specialist assessment. Scans can show things that turn out not to matter, and the NHS notes that gallstones are sometimes found by chance on a scan for something else. A normal result does not rule out every condition.
Abdominal pain can need urgent care, and a private scan is not the right route for it. The NHS gallstones and pancreatitis pages say:
MRI does not use ionising radiation, so the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R) do not apply to it. Many private clinics accept self-referral for MRI, usually after their own safety screening, but each clinic sets its own policy, so check before you go ahead. Some clinics may ask for a letter from a GP or specialist before an MRCP, so that the team knows what question the scan needs to answer.
If you already have a referral letter or earlier results, mention them in your enquiry. See private MRI without a GP referral and seeing a GP before a scan.
Cancer Research UK says you might need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before an MRCP, or for around 4 to 5 hours if you are having an abdominal MRI at the same time. The clinic will give you its own instructions, and these take priority. Our guide on how to prepare for your scan covers the general steps.
Some abdominal scans use a contrast medium (dye) injected through a small tube (cannula) in a vein in your arm. The NHS lists possible side effects as feeling or being sick, a skin rash, a headache, a metallic taste or feeling dizzy, and Cancer Research UK says these are usually mild and last a short time. The NHS safety form asks about kidney problems and allergies, including to contrast, so tell the clinic about either.
You lie on your back on a couch that slides into the scanner, and the radiographer may ask you to hold your breath at times. Cancer Research UK says an MRCP can take up to 60 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the preparation you need. The NHS says MRI scans in general usually take between 15 minutes and 1 hour.
MRI scanners make loud bangs and clicks, so you will be given ear plugs or headphones, and you need to lie still so the scanner can take clear images. If small spaces worry you, the NHS says you may be able to have a medicine to help you relax; if you do, you should not drive for 24 hours. See MRI options for claustrophobia and what to expect during an MRI scan.
Before the scan you will fill in a safety form. The NHS says it asks whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have had surgery, have kidney problems, have metal parts in your body such as surgical clips or a pacemaker, or have allergies. Cancer Research UK notes that some people with metal implants cannot have MRI, while others can if staff decide it is safe. Read more about MRI safety and metal implants.
Your images are reported by an appropriately qualified clinician. The clinic will tell you how long its report takes and how you will receive it. It can help to share the report with your GP or specialist, who can explain what it means alongside your symptoms and any other test results. See how long scan results take.
Prices for abdominal MRI vary by clinic, by whether MRCP is included, whether contrast is used, the type of scanner and the region. FindScan shows each clinic's own listed price, as the clinic sets it, without mark-up. See private MRI scan costs in the UK for what goes into the price.
Search for MRI near you, check which clinics list abdominal MRI or MRCP, and compare their listed prices, scanner details and referral policies. When you have chosen, send an enquiry. The clinic contacts you to confirm whether the scan suits your question, to carry out its safety screening and to agree the next steps. Compare MRI clinics near you.
An abdominal MRI looks at the organs of the upper abdomen. MRCP is a type of MRI that Cancer Research UK says gives detailed pictures of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. The two can be done at the same appointment.
Often, yes. Cancer Research UK says you might need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before an MRCP, or for around 4 to 5 hours if you are also having an abdominal MRI. Follow the clinic's own instructions.
Not always. Some abdominal scans use a contrast dye injected into a vein. The clinic will tell you whether yours does and will ask about kidney problems and allergies first.
The NHS lists an ultrasound scan or a blood test as the tests you may have if you have symptoms of gallstones. If you have tummy pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes, ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111. See our guide to abdominal ultrasound.
MRI does not use ionising radiation, so many private clinics accept self-referral after their own safety screening. Each clinic sets its own policy, and some may ask for a letter from a doctor before an MRCP. Check when you send your enquiry.
No. FindScan is a directory and enquiry service. We help you compare clinics and pass your enquiry to the clinic you choose. The clinic carries out the scan, sets its own price and arranges your appointment with you.
FindScan is a directory and enquiry service, not a healthcare provider, and nothing here is medical advice. Speak to a GP or another clinician about your symptoms.