Private Wrist X-ray Scan from £169
A wrist X-ray shows the wrist bones and joint alignment. It is often requested after a fall or other injury, or to investigate persistent pain and suspected arthritic change.
What can a wrist X-ray scan assess?
X-rays show bones and alignment but do not directly assess ligaments, tendons or bone marrow in detail. Some fractures are subtle or not visible on initial images.
Why might a clinician recommend this scan?
- Suspected fracture or dislocation
- Pain or swelling after a fall or impact
- Assessment of joint alignment
- Investigation of selected arthritic or bony conditions
How to prepare
Usually no special preparation is required. Remove watches and bracelets if requested and tell the team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Safety and limitations
X-ray uses ionising radiation, generally at a low dose. Significant deformity, severe pain or changes in hand colour, sensation or circulation require urgent assessment.
X-ray uses ionising radiation. The imaging team considers whether the examination is justified for your clinical question and uses an appropriate protocol.
How does it compare with other scans?
If a wrist fracture remains suspected despite normal X-rays, repeat imaging or CT/MRI may be considered based on clinical assessment.
More than a scan: doctor-led care before and after
Your scan is part of a supported care pathway. You do not need to arrange your own referral.
Before your scan: GP consultation
Discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a GP. This helps you understand whether the scan is appropriate and what the examination is intended to investigate. If imaging is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
After your scan: understand the report
Your images are reviewed and reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Your post-scan GP consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the report in context, ask questions and understand possible next steps.
Included with your service
- Pre-scan GP consultation
- Private medical referral where appropriate
- Consultant Radiologist’s report
- Digital access to your images and report
- Post-scan GP consultation
- Dedicated Patient Care Team support
Consultation fee: You pay £25 when you book. If you proceed with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you do not proceed, you pay only the £25 consultation fee.
Wrist X-ray scan FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, reporting and the clinical pathway.
How much does a private wrist x-ray scan cost?
A private wrist x-ray scan starts from £169. You pay £25 for the pre-scan GP consultation when you book. If you go ahead with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you decide not to proceed, you only pay the £25 consultation fee. If you are unsure whether this scan is right for you, speak to a doctor today.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need to arrange your own referral. You start with a pre-scan GP consultation with PrivateScans. The GP discusses your symptoms and medical history and, if the scan is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
Who reports my scan?
Your images are reviewed and formally reported by a Consultant Radiologist. The written report explains the imaging findings; your post-scan GP consultation helps you discuss the results in the context of your symptoms and possible next steps.
When will I receive my report?
Your Consultant Radiologist’s report is usually available within 3 days of your scan.
What happens before and after the scan?
Your service includes a pre-scan GP consultation, referral arrangements where imaging is clinically appropriate, the scan, a Consultant Radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, a post-scan GP consultation and support from the Patient Care Team.
Can an X-ray miss a wrist fracture?
Can an X-ray miss a wrist fracture? Some fractures are difficult to see initially. Persistent pain or tenderness should be reassessed by a healthcare professional.
Unsure whether this scan is right for you?
Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and the most appropriate next step.