Accra’s diagnostic sector combines major pathology networks like MDS Lancet Laboratories and Synlab Ghana with imaging specialists such as Quest Medical Imaging and Sonotech Medical & Diagnostic Centre. The opening of Ghana’s first helium-free MRI centre at 37 Military Hospital in June 2026 marked a significant expansion of imaging capacity. A new diagnostic centre under construction at Ridge Hospital will add MRI, CT, mammography, digital X-ray, and fluoroscopy services.
At a Glance: Key Facts About Diagnostic Centres in Accra
| Category | Examples | Typical Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Pathology Laboratory Networks | MDS Lancet Laboratories, Synlab Ghana, MMALABS | East Legon, West Legon, Korle Bu |
| Imaging Specialists | Quest Medical Imaging, Sonotech | Accra Central, Osu |
| Hospital-Based Diagnostic Centres | 37 Military Hospital MRI Centre, Trust Specialist | Neghelli Barracks, Osu |
| Multi-Service Diagnostic Centres | Impact Medical, Japan Medical Center | Asylum Down, Accra |
Understanding Diagnostic Services in Accra
Diagnostic centres sit at the centre of Ghana’s healthcare system. They perform the laboratory tests, imaging scans, and specialist investigations that doctors rely on to make accurate diagnoses. Without them, even the best hospitals operate blind.
In Accra, the diagnostic sector has expanded significantly over the past decade. Private laboratory chains have established multiple collection points across the city. Imaging centres have invested in CT scanners, mammography units, and most recently, Ghana’s first helium-free MRI system.
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The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this growth. The list of PCR testing centres approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana shows the breadth of laboratory capacity now available across Accra, from Lapaz Community Hospital to MDS Lancet Laboratories in East Legon and the University of Ghana Medical Centre in Legon .
For patients, this means more choices but also more confusion. Which centre offers which test? Who accepts NHIS? Where can you get an MRI without travelling abroad? This guide addresses those questions.
Major Pathology Laboratory Networks
MDS Lancet Laboratories
Type: Pathology laboratory network
Branches in Accra: East Legon, Dansoman, Korle Bu
Specialisation: Clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics
MDS Lancet Laboratories operates one of the largest pathology networks in Ghana. The East Legon branch is FDA-approved for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, with contact numbers 0302610480 and 0504101150 . The Dansoman depot operates behind Absa Bank on Dansoman High Street, serving the western suburbs .
The network handles routine blood work, histology, microbiology, and molecular testing. For patients requiring specialised tests not available at smaller laboratories, MDS Lancet is often the referral destination.
Services: Haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, histology, molecular diagnostics, PCR testing
Locations: East Legon, Dansoman, Korle Bu
Synlab Ghana
Type: International pathology laboratory
Location: 22 Westlands Boulevard, West Legon
Contact: +233 30 276 9680 / +233 30 276 3580
Synlab operates as part of the international Synlab network, bringing European laboratory standards to Ghana. The West Legon facility provides clinical pathology services for individual patients and corporate clients .
The laboratory is FDA-approved for PCR testing and handles a comprehensive range of diagnostic investigations. Corporate health screening packages are a significant part of its offering .
Services: Clinical pathology, corporate health screening, molecular diagnostics
Contact: +233 30 276 9680
SYNLAB Ghana Head Office (formerly known as Medlab) is West Africa's premier provider of accredited medical laboratory and diagnostic services. Operating under stringent international ISO 15189 standards, the ultramodern facility delivers comprehensive testing solutions, including specialized pathology, radiology, and executive health screenings. It is widely recognized for its fast, highly reliable clinical reporting and advanced diagnostic technology.
MMALABS
Type: Diagnostic laboratory
Location: Korle Bu Branch – Adjacent Supreme Specialist, Lartebiokorshie Road; Ofankor Branch – Opposite SDA School, Asofa Road
Awards: Best DNA Testing Centre of the Year 2026; Best Digital Healthcare Provider of the Year 2026
MMALABS has established itself as a leading diagnostic laboratory with a focus on DNA testing and digital healthcare innovation. At the 2026 Ghana Medical & Diagnostics Excellence Awards, the laboratory won two top-tier accolades .
The Korle Bu branch operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00, Saturdays and holidays from 8:00 to 15:30, with Sunday appointments available . The Ofankor branch extends services to the northwestern corridor.
Services: DNA testing, clinical pathology, digital health services
Contact: 0303965110 / 0501672749 | [email protected]
MMALABS Accra (operating in partnership with Dr. Lal PathLabs) is a leading medical diagnostic laboratory facility in the Greater Accra Region. Known for winning Best DNA Testing Center of the Year, it provides a comprehensive test menu of over 5,000 pathologies including hematology, clinical genomics, and specialized executive wellness screenings. The facility is widely trusted for its cutting-edge molecular diagnostics and precision medicine
Impact Medical and Diagnostic Centre
Type: Diagnostic centre
Location: No. 5 Nyanyo Lane, Asylum Down
Contact: +233 200 153 279 | [email protected]
Impact Medical and Diagnostic Centre operates from Asylum Down, providing laboratory and diagnostic services in central Accra. The centre is FDA-approved for PCR testing and handles a range of clinical investigations .
Services: Laboratory testing, diagnostic services, PCR testing
Website: impactclinic.com.gh
Sonotech Medical & Diagnostic Centre
Type: Diagnostic centre
Location: Osu Oxford Street
Contact: +233 24 243 9467 | [email protected]
Sonotech operates from Osu Oxford Street, combining diagnostic services with a presence in the medical visa examination market. The centre is listed as a Wafid medical centre for Saudi Arabia visa medicals .
Services: Diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, visa medical examinations
Website: sonotechgh.com
Imaging Centres in Accra
Quest Medical Imaging
Type: Medical imaging centre
Specialisation: CT scans, mammography, diagnostic radiology
Quest Medical Imaging was established in 2015 by Ghanaian medical professionals seeking to bring high-quality imaging to Ghana. The centre offers CT scanning and mammography with tomosynthesis (3D), a more advanced form of breast imaging than conventional 2D mammography .
The company describes its mission as providing efficient, cost-effective radiological services to the medical community and patients in Ghana and the wider Sub-Saharan region.
Services: CT scanning, mammography with tomosynthesis, diagnostic radiology
Website: questmedicalimaging.com
37 Military Hospital – MRI and Diagnostic Centre
Type: Hospital-based diagnostic centre
Location: Neghelli Barracks, Accra
Opened: June 2026
The 37 Military Hospital became home to Ghana’s first Philips helium-free MRI system in June 2026, marking a significant milestone for diagnostic imaging in the country. The centre was established through a public-private partnership between HealthTech Ghana Limited and the Ministry of Defence .
The Philips BlueSeal 1.5T MRI uses helium-free technology, which makes the machine more reliable and efficient than conventional MRI systems that depend on helium for their magnet systems. Helium is a finite resource subject to supply disruptions, so helium-free technology reduces operational risk .
The diagnostic centre includes the MRI system plus CT scanning and a full range of laboratory and clinical diagnostic services. The hospital also reintroduced X-ray services as part of the expansion .
Access: Patients must register at 37 Military Hospital and obtain a doctor’s request form before booking an MRI appointment. A minimal fee applies for image reporting by a radiology consultant, even during free scan promotions .
Services: MRI (helium-free 1.5T), CT scanning, X-ray, laboratory services
Ridge Hospital Diagnostic Centre (Under Construction)
Type: Hospital-based diagnostic centre
Location: Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge
Status: Announced July 2026
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, under the Mahama Cares initiative, has partnered with KGL Group and the KGL Foundation to establish a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre at Ridge Hospital. The project goes beyond equipment provision to construct a fully equipped diagnostic facility .
When completed, the centre will house an MRI machine, CT scanner, mammography unit, digital X-ray machine, and fluoroscopy machine—all under one roof. This represents a significant upgrade for Ridge Hospital, which has faced well-documented equipment shortages .
The facility is expected to reduce waiting times for specialist diagnostic services and expand access to critical imaging for patients who depend on Ridge Hospital for specialised care.
Planned Services: MRI, CT scanning, mammography, digital X-ray, fluoroscopy
The Trust Specialist Hospital – Diagnostic Services
Type: Private hospital diagnostic services
Location: Osu, Angola Road
Contact: Listed in FDA PCR centre directory
The Trust Specialist Hospital in Osu is FDA-approved for PCR testing and provides diagnostic services within its hospital setting. The hospital accepts NHIS and offers laboratory and imaging services alongside clinical care .
Services: Laboratory testing, diagnostic services, PCR testing
Nyaho Medical Centre – Diagnostic Services
Type: Private hospital diagnostic services
Location: Airport Residential Area
Contact: 0307086490 / 0501436662
Nyaho Medical Centre provides diagnostic services including laboratory testing and imaging within its Airport Residential facility. The centre is FDA-approved for PCR testing .
Services: Laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, PCR testing
Japan Medical Center
Type: Multi-specialty medical centre
Location: Accra
Founded: 2024
NHIS Accredited: Yes
The Japan Medical Center offers diagnostic services including X-ray, scans, and laboratory services as part of its broader medical offering. The centre also provides fertility, gynaecology, surgery, emergency services, optometry, and antenatal care .
The facility received NHIS accreditation, making its diagnostic services accessible to NHIS card holders.
Services: X-ray, scans, laboratory services, specialist medical care
Website: thejapanmedicalcenterg hana.com
Laboratory Testing Centres
The FDA Ghana list of PCR testing centres provides a useful inventory of laboratory capacity in Accra. Beyond the major networks already profiled, these include :
Omni Diagnostics Limited – Burma Camp, Accra
Health Square Medical Centre – East Legon, Accra
Spintex Community Hospital – Spintex Road, Accra
Danpong Healthcare – Spintex Road, Accra
Genelab – East Legon, Accra
Mobile Doctors Ghana Limited – 10th Avenue, Bastoona, Spintex Road
Leding Medical Laboratory – East Legon, Accra (0244273693)
Lapaz Community Hospital – Lapaz, Accra
Alma Medical Laboratory – Osu, Accra
Akai House Clinic – Osu, Accra
Quadushah Medical Diagnostic Centre – East Legon, Accra
Crossroad Clinic Laboratory – East Legon, Accra
Yemaachi Biotechnology Limited – Abelemkpe, Accra (0559555381)
Careflight Ghana – Legon, Accra
University of Ghana Medical Centre – Legon, Accra (0302550843 / 0302550844)
Accumed Diagnostic Centre – 37 Guggisberg Avenue, Korle Gonno; NHIS accepted
Ruhr Pharma Diagnostic Ltd – Jomo St South La Estate; NHIS accepted
This list is not exhaustive but demonstrates the concentration of laboratory services in East Legon, Spintex, Osu, and Legon.
Where Diagnostic Centres Are Located in Accra
East Legon and Spintex: The highest concentration of private laboratories and diagnostic centres, serving residents and workers in these affluent and rapidly growing areas.
Osu and Accra Central: Sonotech, Trust Specialist Hospital, and several laboratories cluster in this commercial district.
West Legon and Legon: Synlab Ghana and the University of Ghana Medical Centre provide diagnostic services for the northwestern corridor.
Asylum Down and Adabraka: Impact Medical and Diagnostic Centre serves central Accra.
Korle Bu and Lartebiokorshie: MMALABS and Accumed Diagnostic Centre provide services in the southwestern corridor.
Dansoman: MDS Lancet’s Dansoman depot serves the western suburbs.
Airport Residential: Nyaho Medical Centre provides hospital-based diagnostic services.
Neghelli Barracks: The 37 Military Hospital’s new MRI centre serves the eastern corridor and beyond.
How to Choose a Diagnostic Centre in Accra
For routine blood tests: Most private laboratories and hospital diagnostic departments handle standard haematology, biochemistry, and microbiology. MMALABS, MDS Lancet, and Synlab all offer accessible collection points.
For specialised testing: Molecular diagnostics, histology, and genetic testing are available at the major laboratory networks. MMALABS has particular expertise in DNA testing, recognised by its 2026 award .
For imaging: Quest Medical Imaging offers CT and mammography. The 37 Military Hospital MRI centre provides MRI access. For X-ray and ultrasound, most hospitals and many clinics have in-house facilities.
For NHIS-covered services: Confirm whether your preferred centre accepts NHIS. Accumed Diagnostic Centre and Ruhr Pharma Diagnostic Ltd are listed as NHIS-accepting .
For corporate health screening: Synlab and other major laboratories offer packaged screening services for organisations.
Costs and Insurance Considerations
Diagnostic costs in Accra vary significantly based on the test, the facility, and whether you use NHIS or private insurance.
NHIS Coverage: The National Health Insurance Scheme covers specified diagnostic tests when ordered by a credentialed provider at accredited facilities. Not all private diagnostic centres accept NHIS.
Private Insurance: Most private health insurers cover diagnostic testing when medically necessary. Check with your insurer about approved facilities.
Out-of-Pocket: Patients paying directly should request price lists before testing. Costs for routine blood work are relatively modest, while advanced imaging such as MRI can run into thousands of Ghana cedis.
Free Programmes: The 37 Military Hospital offered free MRI scans for two weeks following the centre’s opening in June 2026, though a reporting fee applied . Such programmes are occasional and eligibility-restricted.
Recent Developments in Accra’s Diagnostic Sector
The past year has seen significant investment in diagnostic infrastructure:
June 2026: Ghana’s first helium-free MRI centre opened at 37 Military Hospital through a HealthTech Ghana and Ministry of Defence partnership .
July 2026: KGL Group and the KGL Foundation announced a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre for Ridge Hospital under the Mahama Cares initiative, to include MRI, CT, mammography, digital X-ray, and fluoroscopy .
August 2026: MMALABS won Best DNA Testing Centre of the Year and Best Digital Healthcare Provider of the Year at the Ghana Medical & Diagnostics Excellence Awards .
These developments suggest growing recognition that diagnostic capacity is foundational to effective healthcare. The concentration of new investment in public-private partnerships is notable, with government leveraging private sector capital and expertise to upgrade public facilities.
Challenges in Accra’s Diagnostic Sector
Despite progress, challenges remain.
Equipment gaps: Ridge Hospital’s long-standing lack of CT, MRI, and even X-ray equipment illustrates the infrastructure deficit at some public facilities. The planned KGL-funded centre addresses this, but construction timelines are not yet public .
Geographic concentration: Most private diagnostic centres cluster in affluent areas—East Legon, Airport Residential, Osu. Residents in working-class communities have fewer options and may face longer travel times.
Cost barriers: While NHIS covers some diagnostics, many patients pay out of pocket. Advanced imaging remains expensive, and free programmes are limited in scope and duration.
Reporting fees: Even when scans are offered free, as at the 37 Military Hospital MRI launch, reporting fees apply. This can be a barrier for patients who assume “free” means no cost at all .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best diagnostic centre in Accra?
There is no single “best” centre—the right choice depends on the test you need, your location, and your insurance. MDS Lancet and Synlab are established laboratory networks. Quest Medical Imaging handles CT and mammography. The 37 Military Hospital offers MRI access.
Do diagnostic centres in Accra accept NHIS?
Some do. Accumed Diagnostic Centre in Korle Gonno and Ruhr Pharma Diagnostic Ltd in South La Estate are listed as NHIS-accepting . Many private laboratories operate outside NHIS and require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance.
Where can I get an MRI scan in Accra?
The 37 Military Hospital opened Ghana’s first helium-free MRI centre in June 2026 . Other facilities with MRI capability should be confirmed directly, as availability changes.
How much does a CT scan cost in Accra?
Costs vary by facility and whether contrast is required. Contact Quest Medical Imaging or hospital radiology departments directly for current pricing.
Can I get a PCR test in Accra?
Yes. The FDA Ghana list of approved PCR centres includes laboratories across Accra, including MDS Lancet (East Legon), Impact Medical (Asylum Down), Nyaho Medical Centre, and the University of Ghana Medical Centre .
What is a helium-free MRI?
A helium-free MRI uses magnet technology that does not require helium, a finite resource subject to supply disruptions. The Philips BlueSeal 1.5T at 37 Military Hospital is Ghana’s first such system, described as more reliable and efficient than conventional MRI systems .
Where are most diagnostic centres located in Accra?
Private diagnostic centres cluster in East Legon, Spintex, Osu, Airport Residential, and West Legon. Hospital-based diagnostic services are available at Korle Bu, 37 Military Hospital, Ridge, Nyaho, and the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
ASJ’s Accra Street Directory maintains a broader database of diagnostic centres and healthcare facilities across the city, including locations and publicly available contact information. Readers seeking additional options can explore the Health category in the Directory.
FAQ QUESTIONS:
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What is the best diagnostic centre in Accra?
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Do diagnostic centres in Accra accept NHIS?
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Where can I get an MRI scan in Accra?
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How much does a CT scan cost in Accra?
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Can I get a PCR test in Accra?
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What is a helium-free MRI?
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Several pieces of information should be verified before publication:
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Contact numbers and addresses: While sourced from directories and official lists, these should be confirmed directly with each facility as contact details change periodically.
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Quest Medical Imaging: Contact details and current service availability should be verified directly. The website does not list a phone number in search results.
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Ridge Hospital Diagnostic Centre: Construction timeline and expected completion date are not yet public. Consider following up with KGL Group or the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
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37 Military Hospital MRI: The free scan promotion ended June 20, 2026. Verify current pricing and availability for ongoing MRI services.
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Sonotech location discrepancy: Wafid lists a Kumasi address while Medpages shows Osu Oxford Street. Clarify the correct Accra location.
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NHIS acceptance: Individual diagnostic centres’ NHIS accreditation status changes. Verify current status with each facility.
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Japan Medical Center: Contact details and full service list should be verified directly. Limited information was available from search results.
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Clinic list completeness: Accra has many diagnostic centres not listed here. Consider whether major omissions should be added.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
