The medical scene is continuously evolving, and every semblance of change means another life saved. One of the most important machines in the healthcare industry is the MRI machine, which is a high-tech scanner that aids in the diagnosis of various diseases.
These machines come in a variety of forms and sizes, as well as magnetic features that depend on the disease. The end goal is to always get an image of the patient’s body, done through the magnetic and radio waves emitted during the scanning process. These signals are then turned into images, which then help doctors diagnose conditions properly and provide ample treatment.
Unfortunately, finding the right MRI machine for your practice isn’t always easy to do. In an effort to help you understand the differences between the common types of MRI scanners, consider this quick and easy guide:
Understanding the 1.2, 1.5T, and 3T MRI
MRI scanners are equipped with a range of magnets that differ significantly by their magnet strength. Imaging professionals can choose from 1.2T, 1.5T, and 3T MRI scanners, and learning more about their unique properties can help you decide which one would be best for your clinic.
The numbers reflect the strength of the magnets used in the MRI scanners. While 1.2T MRI scanners are powerful on their own, 1.5T scanners have much stronger magnets and can create more signals compared to 1.2T scanners. The 1.5T scanners are also faster and can produce higher quality images than less powerful MRI scanners. The motion distortion in the images is also significantly reduced.
By the name alone, it’s easy to assume that 3T MRI scanners are twice as powerful as 1.5T scanners, and because they have a stronger signal and field strength, they can produce even clearer and more detailed images. They also produce images much faster, significantly reducing the overall scan time.
The 3T MRI scanners allow for more vivid images that are ideal for MRI scans that require extremely detailed images such as neurological MRI, vascular MRI, breast MRI, musculoskeletal MRI, and imaging small bones. This also makes the 3T MRI scanners ideal for diagnosing neurological disorders, musculoskeletal anomalies, bone and cartilage problems, abnormalities in tendon and ligament structures, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Choosing the Most Powerful
When it comes to the subject of finding the most value for money, the choice will always come down between the 1.5T and the 3T. These machines offer readily available parts for maintenance and replacements, and both offer quality image results that can amp up your services.
It’s important to remember that while 1.5T offers quality images, it’s only up to an extent. For more precise images such as brain scans and nerve views, you’ll want a 3T MRI system to grace your facilities. This means more speed and better patient service, but the only downside would be the price tags.
Ultimately, however, the final choice will come down to your current needs, preferences, and overall budget allocations.
If you wish to learn more about the MRI parts and systems, DirectMed parts has you covered. We are the go-to place for everything medical imaging, ensuring that you have access to only the best resources and products. Contact us today to learn more.
