Advantages of a 3T MRI
Like comparing a magnifying glass to a high-powered microscope a 3T MRI reveals details a 1.5T MRI can’t see
Like comparing a magnifying glass to a high-powered microscope – a 3T MRI reveals details a 1.5T MRI can’t see, or even replicate
1.5 MRI has a weaker magnetic field which provides lower resolution images and less detail compared to a stronger magnetic field.
Not every MRI scan is equal. In fact, it is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the MRI technician performing the scan, the distance between slices of images, the reading radiologist, and lastly, the strength of the MRI's magnetic field. At Pacific West Imaging, we take pride in the level of quality and service our team and scan protocols provide, yet what truly makes us stand out among the rest is our 3 Tesla (3T) MRI.
The strength and power of an MRI is measured in Tesla (T), with the most commonly found MRI strengths being between 0.5T and 1.5T MRI. At Pacific West Imaging, we use a state of the art 3T MRI to provide our patients with the highest level of care. Getting a lower quality or less detailed scan can put you at risk of missing key information regarding your health. See below the difference and benefits you could get from a scan with our 3T MRI.
Magnetic Field Strength
1.5 MRI has a weaker magnetic field, provider lower resolution images and less detail compared to a 3T MRI
Image Quality
1.5 images are generally less detailed and may not show as much fine detail, making it harder to detect smaller abnormalities
Scan Time
1.5 MRI scan times are slower due to the weaker magnetic field, resulting in slower imaging acquisition
Cost:
1.5T MRI: insurance pays the same as it would for a 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.
3 Tesla (3T) MRI
1.5 Tesla (1.5T) MRI
SPECIFC ADVANTAGES OF 3T IN NEURO
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Clear visibility of brainstem structures (white matter tracts and deep cerebella nuclei
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Determine Brain tissue viability following a stroke or TIA
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A better picture of tumor environment from Venography
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Clearer visualization of smaller vessels in Circle of Willis.
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Higher resolution DTI and FiberTrack capabilities with the Ultra-high
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Gradient System to prove TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
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Higher resolution Susceptibility Weighted Imaging for more sensitive detection of brain microbleeds.
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF 3T BODY IMAGING
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Shorter breath hold time give less motion artifacts for older patients
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Definite identification of benign tumors versus malignant disorder of prostate.
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As simple as CT with DISCO (differential Sub-sampling with Cartesian Ordering): CT-like speed but high resolution MRI contrast.
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LAVA-Flex: water, fat in-phase, out-of-phase in a single acquisition as a free-breathing.
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eDWI technique of high SNR diffusion images is applicable for oncology studies and treatment monitoring
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Whole Body Imaging - decrease scan tme with superior image quality
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 MRI has a weaker magnetic field which provides lower resolution images and less detail compared to a stronger magnetic field.
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.
Generally less detailed and may not show as much fine detail, making it harder to detect smaller, significant abnormalities
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.
Scan times are slower due to the weaker magnetic field, resulting in slower imaging acquisition
Cost
Insurance pays the same for an MRI scan on a 3T MRI as it would for a 1.5T MRI.
Insurance pays the same as it would for a 3T MRI.
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF 3T VASCULAR IMAGING
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Excellent Non-Contrast 3D Vascular Imaging provides higher visibility in vascular structures.
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Inhance Velocity for Arterial & Venous structures in brain 3D TOF with Parallel Imaging for 3 minute MRA of Brain
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Extremely beneficial in Peripheral vascular such as calves and feet: 3D Deltaflow and ARC acceleration for 9 minute Peripheral Vascular runoff
SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
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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.
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Non-invasive imaging method for early detection of osteoarthritis with Cartigram
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High Homogeneity delivers excellent fat saturation away from iso-center and over 50cm field-of-view. Excellent for whole body scan and extremity exams.
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MDixon software produces 4 different contrasts - fat/water/inphase/out of phase from one single aquisition
