Scans & Tests · Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Scans and tests your GP or consultant may recommend for Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

This is information about which scans and tests may be used to assess Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and what each one is: not a recommendation. Your clinician decides which scan or test, if any, you need. Prices below are typical UK private ranges; enter your postcode to see the NHS wait near you.

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Usually diagnosed with blood tests

Polymyalgia rheumatica is usually diagnosed with blood tests arranged by your GP, mainly ESR and CRP, which measure inflammation. A scan is not usually needed.

Ultrasound

An occasional extra: a specialist sometimes uses an ultrasound of the shoulders or hips if the diagnosis is unclear.

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce live images, via a handheld probe on the skin. It uses no radiation.

How long: Usually 15 to 45 minutes.

Good for: Soft tissues near the surface, tendons and muscles, the abdomen and pelvis, and anything best seen moving in real time.

Typical UK private cost: £185 to £495. Usually bookable within days.

Sources: NHS, NICE CKS. [1] (opens in new tab)

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Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. NHS waits are from DM01 diagnostics data. Nothing here is medical advice; your clinician decides which scan, if any, you need.

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