Open and upright MRI scanners are designed to feel less enclosed, take larger body sizes or scan you sitting or standing. Here is who they may suit, the trade-offs NHS policies describe, and what to ask a clinic.
Search MRI providers near youThe NHS describes a standard MRI scanner as a large machine with a short tunnel through it, with a flat bed that moves through the scanner while you lie still. For some people that is hard, because of claustrophobia, body size, or pain when lying flat. Open and upright scanners are alternatives. NHS commissioning policies say open MRI is not routinely available in the NHS, and they set out both the uses and the limits of these scanners.
This page explains what open, upright and wide bore scanners are, who they may suit and what to ask before you choose one. FindScan is a directory and enquiry service. We do not carry out scans, give medical advice, or take bookings or payments.
NHS policies describe three main alternatives to a standard closed scanner. The exact design varies by manufacturer, so ask the clinic which scanner it uses.
NHS policies describe open or upright scanning being considered in a few situations:
Several NHS policies expect other options to be tried first for claustrophobia, such as a wide bore scanner or sedation. Our guide to MRI options if you are claustrophobic covers these in more detail. The NHS also notes that talking therapy such as CBT can help people deal with claustrophobia, and that you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies.
NHS policies are consistent that open and upright scanners involve trade-offs. NHS Gloucestershire states that open and upright MRI scanners generally produce a lower magnetic field strength, which can result in reduced image quality and a longer examination. The Derby and Derbyshire policy gives typical upright scanner magnets of 0.5T or 0.6T, compared with at least 1.0T and up to 3.0T for standard scanners. Hertfordshire and West Essex notes that closed MRI is often faster and that open MRI is not suitable for all parts of the body.
On upright scanning, NHS Gloucestershire cites a Washington State Health Care Authority review that found insufficient scientific evidence to make any conclusions about upright MRI's effectiveness, and Derby and Derbyshire refers to limited data on the diagnostic usefulness of standing or positional MRI.
None of this means an open or upright scan is the wrong choice for you. It does mean it is worth asking the clinic, and your referring clinician if you have one, whether its scanner suits the body part and the question being investigated. Our open vs closed MRI guide compares the two side by side.
Back pain is a common reason people look into upright scanning. The NHS says back pain, particularly lower back pain, usually improves within a few weeks, but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. See a GP if it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks, stops you doing day-to-day activities, or is worrying you. Our guide to back pain, sciatica and which scan explains more.
MRI does not use ionising radiation, so IR(ME)R does not apply. Many private clinics accept self-referral, usually after their own safety screening, but each clinic sets its own policy. Ask the clinic what it needs from you, including details of the area to be scanned and any previous scans. Our guide to private MRI without a GP referral explains how this usually works.
An open or upright scanner is still an MRI scanner with a magnet, so the usual safety checks apply. The NHS says you will be asked whether you have any metal parts in your body, such as surgical clips, a pacemaker, dental fillings or bridges, and whether you are, or may be, pregnant. You will also be asked about breastfeeding, previous surgery, kidney problems and any allergy to contrast medium. Our guide to MRI safety and metal implants has more detail.
The NHS says an MRI scan usually takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour, but can take longer, and that you will be given ear plugs or headphones because scanners make loud bangs and clicks. You may be given an injection of contrast medium (dye) to show more detail. Depending on the scanner, you may lie down, sit or stand. Because lower field scanners can take longer, ask the clinic how long its scan is expected to take.
If you are anxious, the NHS suggests talking to a healthcare professional before your appointment. Medicine to help you relax may be available, and if you have sedation you should not drive for 24 hours. Our guide to what to expect at an MRI scan covers the day itself.
Your scan will be reported by an appropriately qualified clinician, and the clinic will tell you how long its report takes. Discuss the report with your referring clinician or GP, particularly if it suggests further tests. Our guide to scan results explains what to expect.
Prices vary by clinic, region, body part, the number of areas scanned, whether contrast is used and the type of scanner, whether open, upright, wide bore or standard. FindScan shows each clinic's own listed price as set by the clinic, without mark-up.
Compare clinics that list MRI, then check which scanner each one offers. When you send an enquiry, FindScan passes your details to the clinic you chose, and the clinic contacts you to talk through its scanner, its safety screening, whether it accepts self-referral and availability. If you need the scan for a specific area, our spine MRI and private MRI pages may also help.
NHS policies say open and upright scanners generally have a lower magnetic field strength, which can mean reduced image quality and longer scans, and that open MRI is not suitable for all parts of the body. Ask the clinic whether its scanner suits the area you need scanned.
An open scanner is open on three to four sides rather than being a tunnel. An upright, standing or positional scanner is a vertical open design that can scan you sitting or standing, for example to image the spine under weight-bearing conditions.
No. A wide bore scanner is a tunnel scanner like a standard MRI but wider, described in one NHS policy as 70cm across. It can suit some people who are claustrophobic or larger, while keeping a standard scanner design.
Possibly. Tell the clinic before your appointment. Options can include a wide bore scanner, medicine to help you relax, or an open or upright scanner. The NHS also notes that talking therapies such as CBT can help with claustrophobia.
MRI does not use ionising radiation, so IR(ME)R does not apply. Many private clinics accept self-referral after their own safety screening, but each clinic sets its own policy, so check when you enquire.
NHS commissioning policies say open MRI is not routinely available in the NHS, and they fund open or upright scans only in specific circumstances after clinical review. Your GP or consultant can advise on NHS options.
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.