3 Tesla MRI
Precision Beyond Limits
Sharper Images. Faster Scans. Better Diagnoses.
Advantages of a 3T MRI
MRI quality depends on multiple factors, but magnetic field strength is key. While standard MRIs range from 0.5T to 1.5T, a 3 Tesla (3T) MRI offers superior imaging clarity, faster scan times, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
At Pacific West, our 3T MRI captures finer details that lower-strength MRIs may miss, allowing for earlier detection of abnormalities, clearer brain and joint imaging, and more precise diagnoses. When it comes to your health, precision matters—experience the unmatched advantages of 3T MRI technology.
Magnetic Field Strength
Image Quality
Scan Time
Cost
3 Tesla (3T) MRI
3T MRI has a stronger magnetic field of 3 Tesla, which allows for higher resolution images, more detailed scans, and better visualization of small or subtle abnormalities.
Produces clearer, sharper images with more detail, especially useful for imaging small structures, such as fine brain tissues, joints, and early signs of disease.
With its newer technologies, 3T MRIs can produce scan images faster, reducing the time patients need to stay still and the overall scan time.
Insurance pays the same for an MRI scan on a 3T MRI as it would for a 1.5T MRI.
1.5 Tesla (1.5T) MRI
1.5 MRI has a weaker magnetic field which provides lower resolution images and less detail compared to a stronger magnetic field.
Generally less detailed and may not show as much fine detail, making it harder to detect smaller, significant abnormalities
Scan times are slower due to the weaker magnetic field, resulting in slower imaging acquisition
Insurance pays the same as it would for a 3T MRI.
Advantages of a 3T MRI
MRI quality depends on multiple factors, but magnetic field strength is key. While standard MRIs range from 0.5T to 1.5T, a 3 Tesla (3T) MRI offers superior imaging clarity, faster scan times, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
At Pacific West, our 3T MRI captures finer details that lower-strength MRIs may miss, allowing for earlier detection of abnormalities, clearer brain and joint imaging, and more precise diagnoses. When it comes to your health, precision matters—experience the unmatched advantages of 3T MRI technology.
Magnetic Field Strength
3T MRI has a stronger magnetic field of 3 Tesla, which allows for higher resolution images, more detailed scans, and better visualization of small or subtle abnormalities.
1.5 Tesla (1,5T) MRI
1.5 MRI has a weaker magnetic field which provides lower resolution images and less detail compared to a stronger magnetic field.
3 Tesla (3T) MRI
Image Quality
Produces clearer, sharper images with more detail, especially useful for imaging small structures, such as fine brain tissues, joints, and early signs of disease.
1.5 Tesla (1.5T) MRI
Generally less detailed and may not show as much fine detail, making it harder to detect smaller, significant abnormalities
3 Tesla (3T) MRI
Scan Time
With its newer technologies, 3T MRIs can produce scan images faster, reducing the time patients need to stay still and the overall scan time.
1.5 Tesla (1.5T) MRI
Scan times are slower due to the weaker magnetic field, resulting in slower imaging acquisition
3 Tesla (3T) MRI
Cost
Insurance pays the same for an MRI scan on a 3T MRI as it would for a 1.5T MRI.
1.5 Tesla (1.5T) MRI
Insurance pays the same for an MRI scan on a 3T MRI as it would for a 3T MRI.
3 Tesla (3T) MRI
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF 3T IN BODY IMAGING
-
Shorter breath hold time give less motion artifacts for older patients
-
Definite identification of benign tumors versus malignant disorder of prostate.
-
As simple as CT with DISCO (differential Sub-sampling with Cartesian Ordering): CT-like speed but high resolution MRI contrast.
-
LAVA-Flex: water, fat in-phase, out-of-phase in a single acquisition as a free-breathing.
-
eDWI technique of high SNR diffusion images is applicable for oncology studies and treatment monitoring
-
Whole Body Imaging - decrease scan tIme with superior image quality
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF 3T IN NEURO
-
Clear visibility of brainstem structures (white matter tracts and deep cerebella nuclei
-
Determine Brain tissue viability following a stroke or TIA
-
A better picture of tumor environment from Venography
-
Clearer visualization of smaller vessels in Circle of Willis.
-
Higher resolution DTI and FiberTrack capabilities with the Ultra-high
-
Gradient System to prove TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
-
Higher resolution Susceptibility Weighted Imaging for more sensitive detection of brain microbleeds.
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF 3T IN VASCULAR IMAGING
-
Excellent non-contrast 3D vascular imaging provides higher visibility in vascular structures
-
Eliminates the need for contrast in many cases, safer for patients with renal issues
-
Inhance Velocity technique captures both arterial and venous blood flow in the brain
-
3D TOF (Time-of-Flight) with parallel imaging enables brain MRA in under 3 minutes
-
High signal-to-noise ratio delivers clearer and more detailed vascular images
-
Reduces motion artifacts due to shorter scan times
-
Extremely beneficial in peripheral vascular imaging, especially for PAD assessment
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF 3T IN MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
-
The Higher SNR spatial resolution define dectection of tears of articular cartilage of the shoulder and hip and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears of the wrist.
-
Non-invasive imaging method for early detection of osteoarthritis with Cartigram
-
High Homogeneity delivers excellent fat saturation away from iso-center and over 50cm field-of-view. Excellent for whole body scan and extremity exams.
-
MDixon software produces 4 different contrasts - fat/water/InPhase/out of phase from one single acquisition
3T MRI vs. 1.5T MRI: Unmatched Clarity & Precision
Think of it like comparing a magnifying glass to a high-powered microscope—both help you see details, but one reveals far more. A 3T MRI (3 Tesla) delivers twice the magnetic field strength of a standard 1.5T MRI, allowing it to capture exceptionally detailed images that a 1.5T MRI simply can't see or replicate.
With sharper resolution, faster scan times, and enhanced detection of even the smallest abnormalities, a 3T MRI provides unparalleled accuracy for diagnosing neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular conditions—ensuring you get the clearest picture of your health.
When precision matters, a 3T MRI makes all the difference.