Ultrasound, MRI, CT & X-ray

How to book an ultrasound, MRI, CT or X-ray at a good price

Updated 20 October 2026

First check exactly what the doctor ordered

The referral usually states the type of scan and the area: for example, an MRI of the lumbosacral spine or a CT of the chest. Copy exactly that into your request, word for word. If you are not sure which method suits you, ask your doctor first: look for medical services and consultations separately, and here choose the specific scan.

The different methods do not replace one another. Ultrasound uses no radiation, X-ray and CT do, and MRI works with a magnetic field. So the question "which is cheaper" only makes sense within one method and one area.

How a request works on BlaBlaPrice

You describe the scan in your own words, and it is checked before it is shown: no ads or contacts in the text. Then diagnostic centres and clinics in your city reply in the chat: what is included, the price or what it depends on, and the nearest free slot. Centres see where their offer ranks, so they often improve their terms.

BlaBlaPrice shows the best-value offer first, with reviews alongside. Only the centre you choose sees your phone number. Read more on the “How it works” page.

What to put in your request

• Type of scan — ultrasound, MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography or a bone density scan.
• Area — the organ or part of the body, for example the knee or the pelvis.
• Contrast — with or without. For CT and MRI these are different procedures with different prices, and before contrast the clinic may ask for test results.
• Machine — for MRI, the field strength, 1.5 or 3 Tesla; there are also open scanners.
• Patient — a child, pregnancy (the week), claustrophobia, weight, metal implants or a pacemaker.
• Report and copy — whether you need the radiologist's report, and images on a disc or in digital form.
• When — the date or urgency; city or area; budget, if you want to share it.

Example: “I need an MRI of the lumbosacral spine without contrast, on a 1.5 Tesla machine, with a doctor's report and images on a disc. Cape Town, in the next few days. Budget up to R 990.”

How to compare offers

Check that all of them have the same area, contrast and type of machine. Ask whether the report is included in the price, whether the result is given on a disc or online, and how long you wait for the report. Also check whether a referral and preparation are needed: some ultrasounds require you to come on an empty stomach, and before a CT or MRI with contrast you may be asked for tests.

A common mistake is comparing the price of "images only" with "images with a report". Another is not mentioning an implant or pregnancy before the visit. These are safety questions, so answer honestly and wait for the clinic's confirmation.

If you need treatment after the diagnosis, see the “Beauty and health” section: it also has massage and other areas.