CT Scan vs MRI (What’s The Difference?)

These two medical imaging systems look virtually identical and the images show clear images of the anatomy. So what’s the difference between and MRI and CT scan?

Table of Contents

• MRI vs CT Scan: What’s The Difference?
• Are MRI and CT Scans the Same?
• What’s The Difference Between MRI and CT Scans?
• CT Scan vs MRI Scan Procedure
• How To Distinguish Between an MRI Scan Machine and CT Scanner?
• CT vs MRI: Advantages and Disadvantages
• MRI vs CT: Which is Better?
• Conclusion

MRI and CT scans both provide a non-invasive procedure to acquire high resolution images of the anatomy. These advanced diagnostic imaging systems provide a pain-free procedure to aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions. Learn more below.

Are MRI and CT Scans the Same?

In short, an MRI scan is not the same as a CT scan. MRI and CT systems share many similarities and that’s why it can be confusing identifying one imaging system from the other.

An MRI scan machine utilizes a large superconductive magnet and RF wave pulses to produce a reconstructed image of the anatomy. CT scan machines work by utilizing an X-ray beam revolving about the axial plane to produce image slices. Reconstruction computers then splice the axial images to create a 3D rendering. MRI and CT systems operate using entirely separate systems, but that is not to say that they don’t share some notable characteristics.

Before identifying some of the key differences of an MRI vs CT scan, let’s identify some of the key characteristics of each imaging system.

What Is An MRI Scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, often referred to as an MRI scan, provides high definition images of the soft tissue and bones. It is a pain-free, non-invasive procedure and utilizes non-ionizing radiation. An MRI scan produces images by utilizing a large superconductive magnet to align the molecules in the patients body (Magnetic). The RF subsystem provides optimized pulse sequences to flip the molecules in the anatomy (Resonance). Receivers within the MRI detect the movement of the molecules. Images are sent to high-speed reconstruction computers for processing (Imaging). Scan data is reconstructed and sent to a Radiologist for viewing. MRI comes with many advantages but also carries many safety limitations. Below we review some of those key limitations and how they can affect the patient experience.

What Is A CT scan?

Computed Tomography Imaging, often referred to as CT scans, provide high definition images of the anatomy through a quick, pain-free, non-invasive procedure by utilizing ionizing radiation. A CT scan produces images by utilizing a revolving x-ray tube to produce sequential axial images. High speed reconstruction computers receive scan data via fiber optic connections. Concurrently, advanced reconstruction algorithms reformat the individual slices into 2D images and 3D models for easy viewing.

What Are The Differences Between CT Scanners And MRI Scanners?

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