MRIs come in a range of different variants that all serve different purposes. Patients might not know that they are being scanned by varying degrees of strength, depending on what is used. These typically come in the form of what is called the 3T MRI and the 1.5T version. The wonderful world of technology is full of incredible inventions, and the MRI machine has always been an essential tool in any hospital.
The two MRI forms that are the driving force behind how people are diagnosed operate similarly through a magnet that provides internal imaging. Since it’s impractical to open up a patient just to diagnose, we can thank medical technology for these cutting-edge pieces of equipment that streamline the process. MRI parts have always been carefully researched and optimized to give the most accurate images of the internal human body.
Tesla Is the Word
If you notice these imaging machines’ variants and how they hold a “T” at the end of the numbers, this is an essential part of what makes them capable of accuracy. The “T” stands for Tesla, a scientific unit of measurement that describes a magnet’s strength in an MRI. These machines function through a magnet that sends signals through the body, allowing it to detect any anomalies or abnormalities in the internal body.
Depending on the person that will undergo an MRI or the body part that will be scanned, the magnetic field’s strength needs to match up with these. Magnetic fields expelled from the MRI parts give off a signal when they bump into body cells, so this advanced technology allows for painless internal diagnoses.
3T Versus 1.5T Machines
Higher-strength magnetic fields can capture more accurate images in most cases, but this is not always advisable for all kinds of people. The important part about utilizing an MRI is that a patient’s body type must match with the magnetic field in use. A typical body is made up of around 60 percent water and a mix of fat and muscle along with the organs. Issues can arise when a patient has had replacement surgery for a joint or has had any implants placed. Metal items will emit various signals, meaning an attending physician must test these for safety.
When it comes to using each machine, the overall determining factors come in two aspects. The primary one is safety, and the other is the image artifact. Providing safety is achieved using the right magnet strength suitable for patients with implants or any metal objects. That way, these items do not get pulled out of place. Metal implants cleared for use can be subject to magnetic fields’ strength, while those listed as “conditional” have to stick to a specified Tesla strength.
What This Means for Imaging
When an implant is safe for 1.5T MRI machines, this may not always be the case when the use of a 3T scan is being discussed. It is also essential to consider any other materials that have embedded themselves in the body. Some people have sustained bullet or shrapnel wounds that might have left some residue. Both these materials and individual installed implants can cause errors in the imaging procedure. Inaccuracies must not happen in any diagnostic process, as this can cause fatalities and extreme health damages to a patient.
Conclusion
MRI strength comes in the Tesla unit of measurement, and this is where a proper diagnostic procedure for patients must be done to ensure they receive the right type of scan. As MRI parts use a powerful magnet to pull an image from the body’s internals, this means that any metals or foreign objects can be a safety risk for a patient. Accurate imaging is always the end goal, and this requires the proper use of medical technologies to achieve each time.
DirectMed Parts is a source for high-quality MRI parts in the United States for various scanner brands like Toshiba, GE, Siemens, and many others. Keep your machine in good condition by investing in the best parts, and enjoy proper scanning procedures as a result. Contact us to know more about our parts selection and how we can help with MRI repairs.
