Immediate diagnosis for small bowel or small intestine problems
Small bowel MRI scans
Read more about what a Small bowel MRI scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a Small bowel MRI scan.
Not ready to book online?
Refer yourselfWhy choose Vista Health for your small bowel MRI scan?
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Affordable
See the table below for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer small bowel MRI scans throughout the UK.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
Fast, affordable private MRI scans for the small bowel
The small bowel or small intestine is actually the longest part of the gastrointestinal tract. It’s where food is broken down into liquid and most of the nutrients are absorbed, so it’s particularly important to the body’s normal, healthy functions. A problem in this area can cause major discomfort and interrupt your daily life, so you’ll want to get it checked out.
Vista Health offers affordable private MRI scans of the small intestine right across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
What is small bowel or small intestine MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure capturing high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
An MRI scan of the small bowel is often recommended to investigate symptoms like chronic diarrhoea or constipation, and may be used to monitor progress when treatment is underway.
What symptoms would prompt a private small bowel MRI scan?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, with no obvious causes, it may be a good idea to get a small bowel MRI scan.
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diarrhoea
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constipation
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gas
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vomiting
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swollen, painful belly
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blood in your stool
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sudden weight loss
What can a small bowel MRI scan detect?
Your small intestine MRI scan will show all three parts of the small bowel - the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. It will identify any damage or abnormal growths. Typical conditions which could be diagnosed include:
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Functional gastrointestinal disorders
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Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
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Obscure bleeding
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Malabsorption (difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients)
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Crohn’s disease of the ileum
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Regional enteritis
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Iron deficiency anaemia
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Celiac disease
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Gluten disorders
Once your radiologist identifies the cause of your symptoms you can take the diagnostic report to a doctor, who will use it to prescribe an effective treatment.
How do I prepare for a small bowel MRI scan?
Our Patient Care Team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.
Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include
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cochlear implants
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ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
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pacemakers
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artificial joints
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artificial heart valves
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allergy to MRI contrast material
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pregnancy
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claustrophobia
If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment.
What happens during a lower bowel MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. A lower intestine MRI scan takes around 60 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Step by step
Your lower bowel MRI scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private lower intestine MRI scan with Vista Health
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Appointment booking
Decide on a location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
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Attend your diagnostic appointment
Attend your chosen centre on the day of your appointment. Your lower bowel MRI scan should take about 60 minutes. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Results
Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private lower intestine MRI scan cost?
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Fixed Price
Includes report and scan images.
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£550
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Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan.
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one