Medical Test Costs in China 2026: MRI, CT, PET-CT, Blood Tests

Understanding the cost of medical tests and examinations helps international patients budget before contacting a hospital in China. These are planning ranges for common tests; confirm the current price, booking route, report language, image files, and whether a physician referral is required before travel.

Test type	2026 planning range
MRI	CNY 600-1,500
CT scan	CNY 300-1,200
PET-CT	CNY 7,000-10,000
Blood tests	CNY 100-900 depending on panel
Ultrasound	CNY 100-300
Pathology / biopsy processing	CNY 300-2,000+ depending on scope

For MRI, CT, and PET-CT, the scan fee is only one part of the route. Foreign patients should also confirm passport registration, doctor-order requirements, contrast fees, DICOM image files, English reports, invoices, and insurance paperwork.

Diagnostic Tests

Blood Tests

Complete Blood Panel:

CNY 100-300 ($14-42)
Components: CBC, blood chemistry, liver/kidney function
Processing time: 1-2 hours

Specialized Blood Tests:

Tumor markers: CNY 300-800 ($42-113)
Hormone panels: CNY 200-500 ($28-70)
Autoimmune tests: CNY 400-900 ($56-127)

Imaging Tests

MRI Scans:

Head/Brain: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
Spine: CNY 700-1,300 ($99-183)
Joints (per area): CNY 600-1,200 ($85-169)
Average processing time: 1-2 hours

CT Scans:

Head: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Chest: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Abdomen: CNY 400-800 ($56-113)
With contrast: Add CNY 200-400 ($28-56)

Ultrasound:

General ultrasound: CNY 100-200 ($14-28)
Cardiac ultrasound: CNY 150-300 ($21-42)
OB/GYN ultrasound: CNY 100-250 ($14-35)

X-Ray:

Digital X-ray: CNY 100-200 ($14-28)
Chest X-ray: CNY 80-150 ($11-21)
Extremities: CNY 80-150 ($11-21)

PET-CT:

Whole body: CNY 7,000-10,000 ($980-1,400)
Specific area: CNY 5,000-8,000 ($700-1,127)
Preparation time: 1-2 hours, scan time: 20-40 minutes

Specialized Examinations

Cardiac Tests

ECG/EKG:

Resting ECG: CNY 30-80 ($4-11)
Exercise stress test: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
24-hour Holter: CNY 500-1,000 ($70-141)
Echocardiogram: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)

Cardiac Catheterization:

Diagnostic: CNY 3,000-6,000 ($423-845)
With angiography: CNY 6,000-10,000 ($845-1,408)

Endoscopy

Gastroscopy:

Upper GI endoscopy: CNY 500-1,200 ($70-169)
Colonoscopy: CNY 600-1,500 ($85-211)
With anesthesia: Add CNY 500-800 ($70-113)
Sedation and preparation required

Bronchoscopy:

Diagnostic: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
With biopsy: Add CNY 300-500 ($42-70)
Recovery time: 2-4 hours

Neurological Tests

EEG (Electroencephalogram):

Standard EEG: CNY 200-400 ($28-56)
Video EEG (24-hour): CNY 600-1,000 ($85-141)
Sleep study: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)

EMG (Electromyogram):

Per limb/muscle group: CNY 150-300 ($21-42)
Complete motor nerve conduction: CNY 400-600 ($56-85)

Cancer Screening

Tumor Markers:

Basic panel (3-5 markers): CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Extended panel (10+ markers): CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
Specific markers: CNY 150-300 each ($21-42)

Genetic Testing:

Targeted gene mutations: CNY 2,000-5,000 ($281-705)
Full panel sequencing: CNY 8,000-15,000 ($1,127-2,113)
Results time: 1-3 weeks

Function Tests

Respiratory Function

Pulmonary Function Tests:

Spirometry: CNY 50-150 ($7-21)
Bronchial provocation: CNY 200-300 ($28-42)
Diffusion capacity test: CNY 150-400 ($21-56)

Renal Function

Kidney Tests:

Urinalysis: CNY 30-50 ($4-7)
Blood urea nitrogen: CNY 20-40 ($3-6)
Creatinine: CNY 30-50 ($4-7)
GFR calculation: Included in basic panel

Liver Function

Hepatic Tests:

ALT/AST: CNY 20-40 each ($3-6)
Bilirubin: CNY 20-40 ($3-6)
Albumin: CNY 30-50 ($4-7)
Complete liver panel: CNY 100-200 ($14-28)

Pathology

Biopsy Costs

Needle Biopsy:

Fine needle biopsy: CNY 500-1,200 ($70-169)
Pathology processing: CNY 300-800 ($42-113)
Additional immunohistochemistry: CNY 500-1,500 ($70-211)

Surgical Specimens:

Tissue processing: CNY 500-2,000 ($70-282)
Frozen section: CNY 400-1,500 ($56-211)
Specialized stains: CNY 200-600 each ($28-85)

Cost Comparison by Hospital

Top-Tier Hospitals (3A)

Premium Pricing:

Additional 20-30% due to reputation and location
Often offset by international department service fees
Higher quality equipment and specialists
Better insurance coverage accepted

Regional Hospitals

Standard Pricing:

Lower base costs
Fewer advanced equipment options
May need to travel to major cities for specialized tests
Variable quality and service levels

Price Factors

What Affects Costs:

Hospital tier (3A vs 3B vs 2)
City location (Beijing/Shanghai vs regional)
International department service fees
Urgent vs. scheduled timing
Insurance negotiations and direct billing

Budget Planning

Booking Tests as a Foreign Patient

Before booking MRI, CT, PET-CT, ultrasound, blood tests, or pathology review, ask the hospital:

Can foreign patients register with a passport for this test?
Is a doctor consultation or referral required before the test?
Is the quote for the test only or the full visit?
Are contrast, medication, nursing, or report fees separate?
Can I receive DICOM image files for MRI, CT, or PET-CT?
Can the report, invoice, or visit summary be issued in English?
How long will results take, and how are they delivered?
What reimbursement documents does the hospital provide?

If you need imaging for a second opinion outside China, prioritize correct protocol and file access over the lowest headline price.

Sample Diagnostic Packages

Initial Evaluation Package:

Blood panel: CNY 500-800 ($70-113)
CT scan: CNY 500-800 ($70-113)
Doctor consultation: CNY 300-600 ($42-85)
Total: CNY 1,300-2,200 ($183-310)

Cancer Screening Package:

Tumor markers: CNY 800-1,200 ($113-169)
Ultrasound: CNY 300-500 ($42-70)
Biopsy if needed: CNY 800-1,500 ($113-211)
Specialist consultation: CNY 500-1,000 ($70-141)
Total: CNY 2,400-3,200 ($338-450)

Cost Saving Strategies

Bulk Testing:

Ask about package pricing
Combine related tests when possible
Ask for discounts for multiple tests
Compare hospital vs. independent lab prices

Insurance Optimization:

Use in-network hospitals for better rates
Verify pre-authorization requirements
Direct billing vs. reimbursement comparison
Negotiate pricing for large test packages

Payment Considerations

Additional Fees

Service Fees May Include:

Doctor consultation fees
Equipment usage fees
Nursing care for procedures
Report interpretation fees
Rush fees for expedited results

Payment Methods:

Cash (RMB): Universal acceptance
WeChat Pay (微信): Widely accepted
Alipay (支付宝): Widely accepted
Credit cards: Major hospitals accepted
International cards: Limited acceptance

Timing Considerations

Result Availability:

Blood tests: Same day or next morning
Imaging: 1-4 hours, urgent 1-2 hours
Biopsy: 3-7 days for complex cases
Genetic tests: 1-3 weeks

Pre-Authorization:

Some tests require insurance pre-authorization
Call insurance company before procedure
Get reference numbers for claims
Keep pre-authorization approvals

Conclusion

Medical test and examination costs in China are significantly lower than most Western countries, making comprehensive diagnostic work affordable. Use this reference to plan your diagnostic budget, compare options, and make informed decisions about where to have tests done. Consider package pricing, insurance coverage, and timing in your planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do medical tests cost in China?

Common planning ranges include CNY 600-1,500 for MRI, CNY 300-1,200 for CT, CNY 7,000-10,000 for PET-CT, and CNY 100-900 for many blood-test panels. Final prices depend on hospital, city, route, and whether consultation or reporting services are included.

Can foreigners book medical tests in China?

Often yes at large hospitals, but the route varies. Confirm passport registration, whether a doctor order is required, report language, payment, and how results will be delivered before travel.

Can foreigners get DICOM files from China hospitals?

For MRI, CT, and PET-CT, ask specifically for DICOM files or a disc/download route. A PDF report alone may not be enough for an overseas doctor or insurer.

Are MRI, CT, and PET-CT cheaper in China?

They can be materially cheaper than in many Western private-care settings, but compare the full route: consultation, scan, contrast, report language, image files, translation, travel, and follow-up.

Need help understanding test costs? Our consultation service can provide guidance on recommended diagnostics and help you navigate pricing across different hospitals.