Most of us do at some point in our lives need to get an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. While we may not consider, or even be aware, that different types of MRI scanners exist, it matters to the speed of the procedure, comfort level, and quality of the images.
That brings us to 3T MRI, the most powerful scanner available for clinical use.
How does magnetic resonance imaging work?
First of all, a quick explanation of how MRI works: MRIs produce very detailed scans with the help of a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy. They enable doctors to see organs and structures inside the body that other scans, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, do not capture.
On a more granular level, all MRIs draw their power from a tube-like superconducting magnet. The magnet, in turn, sets in motion a complex process that ends when receiver coils pick up the faint echo of radio waves and generates a picture of the anatomy of tissue.
Even as the technology has evolved, the process to generate the image remains similar. But compared to the early days of the MRI era, when scientists thought 0.5T would forever be the maximum strength, the scanners have consistently been refined to harness even more power.
So, what does the 3T stand for?
A tesla is a unit of measurement that measures the strength of a magnetic field. Traditional MRI machines operate at a strength of 1.5T, or teslas. In comparison, 3T MRI, or 3 Tesla MRI, uses very powerful magnets that produce a 3-tesla magnetic field. The impact is significant:
- A 3-tesla magnetic field is twice as powerful as the fields used in conventional high-field MRI scanners, and as much as 15 times stronger than low-field or open MRIs.
Consider the benefits of 3T MRI
As you can imagine, these numbers present more than a show of force. The stronger magnetic fields, as well as the general design of the machine, also bring a range of benefits.
Less time-consuming
3T MRI is faster than any other available diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging. In fact, these exams can be up to two to three times faster than standard MRI exams. Rather than 30 minutes to an hour, this exam can be completed in 20 minutes or less. The computer generated images can also be sent for immediate analysis.
Improved comfort
If you feel anxious or claustrophobic in the narrow bore of a traditional MRI scanner, you’re hardly alone. Being sent into the tunnel-like portion of the machine, in which you have to lay still during the loud exam, is an unsettling experience to some patients. That’s also why the layout of the 3T MRI offers relief. 3T MRI features a more spacious bore, or tube, and the patient’s head can remain outside of the bore for scans that don’t involve the spinal cord, neck, or head.
Lower risk of distorted images
This benefit goes hand in hand with increased comfort. The larger and shorter magnet bore makes it easier to capture high quality scans. Larger patients, for instance, easily fit into the 3T MRI machine, while patients in need of multiple scans can stay right where they are. Whether the patient is injured or frail, images can be captured with ease. As a result, the need for repeated scans lessens.
More scanning options
Lower-power models of MRI scanners come with certain limitations. 3T MRI, on the other hand, has the capability to scan in tiny slices as small as 1 millimeter. The benefit? It helps doctors with difficult diagnosis of complex conditions. Ideally suited for scans of conditions involving the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system, 3T MRI can still scan for new conditions like prostate cancer.
Higher quality
The more detail a scan can convey, the greater likelihood abnormalities can be detected and invasive studies avoided. In the case of MR Angiogram, for instance, these scanners provide high-quality vascular imaging that help decrease the need for catheter studies. Imaging is, in fact, so detailed of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that they can be used to assess the stability of joints and even fracture-related bleeding.
Better accuracy
Bone and other types of infections can cause tissue changes, and 3T MRI is one of the most sensitive methods for detecting them. When such changes are detected early and accurately diagnosed, the result is better patient outcomes.
Final word
And, here’s a final fact: Universal Medical Imaging is proud to offer the most powerful MRI scanner available for clinical use. Our 3.0 T HD GE Signa scanner delivers twice the power of traditional machines while providing clearer results addressing a wider variety of conditions, all while affording patients briefer, more comfortable sessions.
Do you have questions about 3T MRI? Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.