How Long Do MRI and Biopsy Results Take on the NHS?

MRI and biopsy results take longer than blood tests because specialists have to examine them. Here is what to expect, and how urgent referrals are handled.

Updated · 5 min read

Illustration of an MRI scanner and a microscope slide with a calendar showing two weeks

NHS MRI scan results usually take between 1 and 2 weeks, because a specialist has to examine the images and write a report. Biopsy results usually take up to about 2 weeks, as the sample has to be processed and examined in a laboratory. If you were referred urgently because cancer is suspected, the NHS aims to confirm or rule out cancer within 28 days of your referral.

MRI results: what to expect

The NHS website says it usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks to get MRI scan results.

Why it takes this long

An MRI scan produces many detailed images. The radiographer who carries out the scan does not usually give results on the day. The images are examined by a radiologist, a doctor who specialises in reading scans. The radiologist writes a report and sends it to the doctor who referred you.

How you will be told

The results go to the doctor who asked for the scan, such as your GP or a hospital consultant. You may be:

  • given a follow-up appointment to discuss the results
  • phoned or sent a letter
  • told the results at an appointment that was already booked

If you have not heard anything after a few weeks, contact the doctor or team who referred you.

Biopsy results: what to expect

A biopsy is where a small sample of skin, tissue or cells is taken for testing. The NHS website says a doctor or nurse will tell you how and when you will get your results.

Cancer Research UK says you usually get biopsy results within 2 weeks, from the doctor who arranged the biopsy.

Why biopsies take time

The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is prepared and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Preparing tissue properly takes time, and some samples need extra tests to give a full answer. This is why biopsy results are slower than most blood tests.

Urgent suspected cancer referrals

If your GP referred you urgently because they suspect cancer, a different timescale applies. Under the Faster Diagnosis Standard, the NHS guide to waiting times says cancer should be confirmed or ruled out within 28 days of the referral.

You should get a letter from the hospital within a few days, confirming it has received the referral. An appointment with a specialist or for tests often follows within about 2 weeks. Make sure you are available, as it can be hard to rearrange.

Being referred urgently does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It means cancer needs to be checked for quickly.

Can you see MRI or biopsy results in the NHS App?

Sometimes. The NHS App shows tests ordered by your GP surgery, including some tissue biopsies, and hospital results that have been sent to your GP. Some hospital results may be available through Patients Know Best, and some hospitals have their own apps.

Many hospital scan and biopsy results will not appear in the app until a specialist has spoken to you. If you do see a report before your appointment, remember it is written for doctors and can be hard to interpret. Ask your care team to explain it.

Coping with the wait

Waiting for results can be stressful. Some things that may help:

  • Ask, at the time of your scan or biopsy, how and when you will get results.
  • Write down any questions you want to ask when you get them.
  • Ask if you can bring someone with you to the results appointment.
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.

Cancer Research UK's information nurses can talk through worries on freephone 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

When to contact someone

Contact the team who arranged your scan or biopsy if:

  • you have heard nothing after the time you were told
  • you were promised a follow-up appointment that has not arrived
  • you have moved house or changed phone number since the test

After a biopsy, contact your healthcare team or get advice from 111 if you have pain that painkillers do not help, a high temperature, or swelling, redness or fluid around the biopsy site.

For simpler tests, see our guide on how long blood test results take.

Getting ready for an MRI scan

The NHS website says the hospital will tell you if you need to do anything before your scan. You may be asked to:

  • avoid wearing anything containing metal, such as jewellery, hair clips or a bra with wires
  • empty your pockets of coins and keys
  • change into a hospital gown
  • fill in a form about pregnancy, previous surgery, kidney problems, metal in your body such as a pacemaker, and allergies

The scan usually takes 15 minutes to 1 hour. The scanner is noisy, so you are given earplugs or headphones. If you are anxious or do not like small spaces, tell the hospital beforehand, as you may be able to have medicine to help you relax.

If you have a contrast dye injection, you may be asked to wait up to 30 minutes afterwards. If you have medicine to relax you, you should not drive for 24 hours.

Results questions people ask

Does a quick result mean bad news?

Not necessarily. Timing depends on the type of test, how busy the department is and when your follow-up is booked.

Can the radiographer tell me anything on the day?

Usually not. Radiographers carry out the scan, and a radiologist interprets it afterwards.

Can I ask for a copy of my report?

Yes. You can ask the hospital for a copy of your records, including scan reports.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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