Could you be ready to come again? Your UK Biobank repeat imaging visit
On 23 March 2026, we held an online event where we spoke directly with participants about what it means to return for a second imaging visit.
We explained why repeat imaging is so valuable for health research, what has changed since your first visit and exactly what you can expect on the day, from the welcome at the assessment centre to the imaging procedures.
We also shared how your continued involvement helps researchers understand how health changes over time and supports discoveries that could benefit us all.
If you weren’t able to join us live, you can watch the session on demand to hear from the experts, see how the visit works and feel confident about taking part again.
Your contribution makes a real difference, and we’d love to welcome you back for your repeat imaging appointment.
Ready to book your next imaging visit?
To book your repeat imaging visit, please complete our imaging project call back request form and a member of our team will get back to you.
Complete our form to request a call back related to our imaging project.
Your questions answered
Attending and booking
How do I volunteer for a second imaging visit?
How do I volunteer for a second imaging visit?
If you attended your initial imaging visit with UK Biobank, you will receive an invitation to attend a second imaging visit and you do not need to take any action.
You can however volunteer at any time as long as it has been two years since your first visit by calling the Participant Contact Centre on 0800 0276 276 or completing the imaging project call back request form.
Can I attend a different centre from the one I visited the first time?
Can I attend a different centre from the one I visited the first time?
No, unfortunately we would like you to attend the same centre, so that the scans are taken using the same equipment for consistency.
We appreciate that some participants have moved address since their first visit, often significantly increasing their distance to that particular centre. In these cases, please discuss what extra support may be required with our Participant Contact Centre team by calling 0800 0276 276 or completing the imaging project call back request form.
Can you send information by email instead of by post?
Can you send information by email instead of by post?
Yes, if we have a working email address for you on file.
Safety and eligibility
I’ve had recent CT scans. Can I still attend my imaging visit?
I’ve had recent CT scans. Can I still attend my imaging visit?
We will check your eligibility during your pre‑screening call, however having a recent CT scan is not an impediment to taking part, as long as the scan takes place at least 2 weeks before your imaging appointment.
Can I have a MRI scan if I have a hip replacement?
Can I have a MRI scan if I have a hip replacement?
Yes, it is possible for you to attend with a hip replacement. Please talk this through at your pre-screening call with one of our team.
Results and findings
Would I be told if something suggested early‑stage Alzheimer’s?
Would I be told if something suggested early‑stage Alzheimer’s?
The imaging scans are set up to collect research information and they are not systematically reviewed to diagnose disease.
If a potentially serious abnormality is noticed during your scans, we will write to tell you and your GP. A potentially serious abnormality is considered to be one which may have a major effect on how your body functions or on your quality of life, or which could be life-threatening. We do not provide feedback on the cognitive tests. Read more about incidental findings.
On the day
How long does the visit take?
How long does the visit take?
Around 4-5 hours.
Is there a memory test during the visit?
Is there a memory test during the visit?
Yes, this is completed on computers in the centre.
Can I wear a mask during most of my time at the centre?
Can I wear a mask during most of my time at the centre?
Yes, you can wear a mask throughout your visit to the imaging centre if you would like to, aside from during the MRI scans.
Paperwork and previous visits
If I’ve lost my paperwork from my first visit, can I get replacement copies when I come for my second?
If I’ve lost my paperwork from my first visit, can I get replacement copies when I come for my second?
This can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with our Participant Contact Centre team. However, you do not need the paperwork from your first visit to take part in the repeat imaging study.
Need help or ready to book?
If you have further questions or are ready to book, please call our Participant Resource Centre on 0800 0 276 276 free of charge, Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, send us an email at [email protected] or complete a call back request form.
Explore more
Return for a repeat imaging visit to help provide researchers with information about how your body has changed over time.
Information about how to find us, parking, and travel expenses for your imaging visit.