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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CT and MRI?

Frequently Asked Questions
CT and MRI differ in two basic ways.CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body.
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What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?

NEWisconsin MRI Center: Frequently Asked Questions
Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of pretty much any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there is no exposure to x-rays.
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What is the difference between CT scan and a MRI?

FAQ
Computed Tomography (CT) uses x-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the body part being examined. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a high field strength magnet and radio waves to generate a cross-sectional image.
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Why get a CT/myelogram instead of MRI?

Non-Surgical Frequently Asked Questions
Plain CT scans do not provide spine surgeons with enough information to adequately plan for surgical procedures. The CT/myelogram provides information about the bony architecture of the spine and additional information about the spinal cord and nerve roots, and their location within the spinal canal. In patients with pressure on nerve roots from bone spurs, the CT scan/myelogram test can help define the exact location and severity of the nerve root compression.
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Newton Medical Center
CT (a.k.a. CT Scan or Computed Tomography) and MRI differ in two basic ways. CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body.
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Select a Medical Service | Radiology
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field for imaging; a CT scanner uses X-rays or ionizing radiation. Both are powerful tools for imaging, and each images certain areas of the body better than the other. For example, MRI is better for imaging the knee, whereas CT is better for imaging the lungs. The two are complementary in many parts of the body. For example, it is not unusual for a CT of the liver to show an abnormality and then for an MRI to help further characterize it.
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Where do I go to get a mammogram, CT or MRI?

WellMed Medical Group :: Employees :: Frequently Asked Quest...
Our preferred provider for mammograms, CTs, and MRIs is Bexar Imaging Centers. There are two locations one is located across from North Star Mall and other is off 7622 Louis Pasteur across from the Methodist Children's Emergency Room.
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What is the difference between x-rays, MRI, and CT scan?

Eastern Long Island Hospital > SERVICES > PAIN MANAGEMENT > ...
X-rays are a type of radiation, and when they pass through the body, dense objects such as bone block the radiation and appear white on the x-ray film, while less dense tissues appear gray and are difficult to see. X-rays are typically used to diagnose and assess bone degeneration or disease, fractures and dislocations, infections, or tumors. Organs and tissues within the body contain magnetic properties.
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I’ve already had a CT scan so why do I need an MRI? What’s the difference?

MRI - Frequent Questions - UBCH - MRI - Magnetic Resonance I...
CT and MRI provide different kinds of information. Your doctor determines which is the most appropriate test for you, and sometimes both are necessary. While both scanners are similar in appearance, CT scanners make images is by using x-rays to plot the difference in electron density of adjacent tissues, and MR scanners, as described above, make images based on differences in the density and behaviour of hydrogen protons.
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Can MRI replace the CT scan?

Cardiovascular Services-USC University Hospital-Los Angeles,...
CT scanning of the heart can depict the coronary arteries with the administration of relatively large doses of x-ray contrast agents that can have a detrimental effect on the kidneys. MRI, especially at 3T can also depict the coronary arteries, albeit not yet as well as CT.
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What's the difference between PET and other imaging modalities such as CT scan and MRI?

AsiaMedic PET/CT Centre
A PET scan produces images of metabolic activity as opposed to images of the body's physical structures that are derived from these other imaging tests. This is important because functional changes often predates structural changes in tissues. PET images may therefore demonstrate changes long before they would be revealed by modalities like CT and MRI.
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How is MRI different from a CT or an x-ray?

Unlike x-ray exams, MRI does not use ionizing (x-ray) radiation. Instead, MR creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
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Why do I get an IV injection with CT and MRI scans?

Patient Resources Lincoln Radiology of Lincoln Nebraska (402...
Intravenous contrast material is often, but not always, used in today's CT and MRI studies to help with diagnosis. An iodine based material is used for CT and gadolinium is used for MRI. The purpose is to “enhance” the tissues and organs of the body in such a way as to make them better stand out from each other, and to allow better visualization of abnormal areas within normal areas. This ability to differentiate normal from abnormal is important to make the correct diagnosis.
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How is an MRI different from a CT scan?

Visalia Imaging and Women's Imaging Specialist ‡ Frequ...
MRI is magnetic resonance imaging whereby high-strength magnetic fields and radio frequencies are used. This does not use any type of x-ray energy or radiation in any form. The CT scan (computed tomography) does use x-ray as the basis of its method to produce diagnostic images, but they are significantly enhanced via computerized algorithms. There are two different types of contrast currently used at this facility.
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What is your price of a MRI, CT or EMG?

OCM Portal
Our pricing is based on State Fee Schedules or Usual and Customary Rates. As a result, pricing may vary between states and procedures. Please call 800-872-2875 and ask to speak to a Customer Service Specialist regarding pricing in your area.
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How does a PET scan differ from CT or MRI scans?

PET Scan: Frequently Asked Questions
CT and MRI scans are "anatomic" imaging modalities, which means they look at size and shape of organs and body structures. A PET scan is a "metabolic" imaging modality, which means it looks at function. The information received from a PET scan is different from any other test that is available.
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How long will it take to perform an MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan or Ultrasound?

FAQ
MRI Scanning a single area without contrast will take about 20-40 minutes on the High Field MRI Scanner and 30-45 minutes on the High Field OPEN MRI. If the doctor has ordered multiple body parts to be scanned, then the scans will take longer. CT Scanning will take about 10 minutes for each test ordered. For PET Scans, plan to be here for about 2 hours. The scan itself will take about 35 minutes. Ultrasounds take about 20 minutes.
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I am rather large and afraid of closed spaces. Can I still get an MRI, CT or PET scan ?

FAQ
Both of our MRI scanners, CT scanners and our PET scanner are particularly suited for patients who are large or who have claustrophobia. Our Open MRI is so large and wide open that the patient is placed into the scanner sideways. Our high field MRI is much shorter than most MRI scanners as well as having a large opening which is flared. A family member can be in the room with you during the scan. Our MRI scanners hold large patients weighing up to 430 pounds.
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What is a CT scan? Is it different from an MRI?

AAMC: Ask An AAMC Expert
A CT scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) uses X-ray. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic waves to scan. The Your Scan is a CT Scan, which is done as a screening study, with no contrast, to detect early diseases in the body. Please give us a call at 1-800-223-0403 if you have any further questions. The full body scan does not include the knees, we only scan through the pelvic area.
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How is an MRI different from a CT?

Advanced Imaging at Community Medical Center in Missoula, Mo...
MRI does not use ionizing (x-ray) radiation. Instead, MR creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves. MRI can detect certain diseases much earlier than other medical imaging techniques can, making it the diagnostic tool of choice for many physicians.
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What makes an MRI different from an X-ray or CT scan?

AtlantiCare Imaging Services -- Frequently Asked Questions
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and does not utilize radiation. Instead, a strong magnetic field and radio waves are combined to create high-quality images of soft tissue which cannot be detected by an X-ray.
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Scanning: what are the features and advantages of MRI, PET, CT, X-Rays?

FAQ in high school physics
All four are useful for non-invasive medical imaging. X-rays Conventional X-ray images are usually on photographic film or a fluorescent screen. X-rays from an X-ray tube pass through the body and the difference in absorption by different structures in the body is what produces contrast in the images. The images are 2D projections of a 3D object so they contain overlapping structures.
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I already had a CT scan of my back. Why do I need an MRI scan?

Neurosurgery, Inc.
MRI scan is excellent at showing soft tissue such as spinal cord, nerve roots and herniated discs. A CT scan shows bone detail and some soft tissue. When looking for herniated discs or tumors, an MRI image will usually reveal much more detail.
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Can I get a CT OR MRI scan while I am using the pump?

Pain Management - Stryker PainPump FAQs
Do not use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environments. Some catheters contain metal components which may react when exposed to strong magnetic fields and potentially cause serious injury to the patient and/or medical staff.
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How does PET or PET•CT differ from CT and MRI alone?

PET Scan: Frequently Asked Questions
CT and MRI scans are anatomic imaging modalities, which means they look at the size and shape of organs and body structures. Therefore, they can be useful in determining the size and location of a tumor; however, neither of them can determine whether a tumor is still active. A PET or PET•CT scan is a metabolic imaging modality, which means it looks at function. The information collected from a PET or PET•CT scan is different from any other test that is available. Here at St.
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Who cannot have an MRI?

FAQ's
If you have a pacemaker, you should not be imaged because the pacemaker may be damaged in the magnetic field of the scanner. If you have metal filings, shrapnel, or ferromagnetic clips or pins in your body, you probably will not be imaged because these objects could be twisted by the magnetic field and cause serious injuries. Most new surgical metal implants are made of a high quality stainless steel which is non-magnetic. You can be imaged with these. Dental fillings and bridgework are okay.
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