X-ray Vs CT Scan Vs MRI

X-ray Vs CT Vs MRI

What Is an X-Ray?

X-rays are the most used diagnostic imaging test and are widely available. Even if you requiremore sophisticated body scans, it’s likely you’ll receive an x-ray first.

They are a form of radiation, and when passing through your body, bone and other dense objects block the radiation and look white on the film of the x-ray. The less dense tissues are hard to see and appear gray. While limited exposure to radiation from x-rays isn’t harmful, if you’re pregnant, the doctor will take special precautions.

The doctor will position the part of your body for scanning between the digital x-ray sensor or photographic film and x-ray machine. While the machine sends the radiation briefly through your body, you need to stay still.

Types of X-Rays

There are two primary types of x-rays — soft and hard.

1.      Soft x-rays have fairly short wavelengths of approximately 10 nanometers (nanometers are one-billionth of a meter). Therefore they can be placed in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum between gamma-rays and ultraviolet (UV) light.

2.      Hard x-rays have wavelengths of approximately 100 picometers (picometers are one-trillionth of a meter) wavelengths. They occupy the same area as gamma-rays on the EM spectrum.

What Is a CT Scan?

A CT scan generates high-quality, detailed images of the body. It’s a more powerful and sophisticated x-ray that takes a 360-degree image of the spine, vertebrae and internal organs. You may have a contrast dye injected into your blood so the doctor can see your body structures more clearly on the CT scan.

 

1. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) CT Scan

The PET CT scan helps the physician to see the level of activity of certain body organs and tissues, along with their structure. You’ll receive a substance called a “tracer” containing glucose with a little bit of radioactive material attached before your test.

This tracer travels through your body systems. It acts like a dye for the imaging scan to pick up on. If there’s high chemical activity in certain areas, more of the dye will be picked up, and it will show bright spots on the image, alerting the doctor of possible disease.

The radiation dose in the tracer is safe and minimal for most individuals. The tracer will be swallowed, inhaled or injected, depending on the examined body part.

Physicians use PET scans often for detecting heart problems, cancer and brain diseases.

2. CT Urography

CT urography is a type of specialized radiological exam used for evaluating the urinary tract, which includes the ureters, kidneys and bladder. It’s an innovative technology that uses computed tomography to produce cross-sectional images throughout your body. The images of internal organs are very detailed and allow doctors to make decisions on the most accurate treatment plan to take.

The most common uses for this exam are to evaluate blood in your urine and detect kidney stones.

What Is an MRI?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and combines a strong magnet with radio waves. A computer operates the magnetic components, creating incredibly detailed images of body structures. The doctor views the images as “slices” or cross-sections of the scanned body part. Unlike x-rays, there’s no radiation involved. Doctors use MRI scans frequently for diagnosing joint and bone problems, as well as for assessing treatment progress, looking into brain abnormalities and evaluating pelvic pain or infertility issues.

1. Open MRI Scans – High-Field (1.5T)

A high-field (1.5T), open MRI delivers superb image quality:

• Open MRI: This refers to the configuration of the equipment. The Open MRI creates a bright imaging and a relatively roomy experience because it is open on three sides. It has a modern design which yields quick and comfortable exams, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who are claustrophobic.
• High-Field (1.5T): High-field (1.5T) is referring to image quality. The 1.5T offers a wide range of coil options, allowing for better image quality across some imaging applications when compared to the 3T.

2. MRI Short Bore Scans – High-Field (1.5T)

The bore refers to the opening in the MRI imaging machine. Short bore MRI scans are 5 percent wider and 50 percent shorter than the conventional MRI setup. The dimensions provide the patient with a roomy and very airy imaging experience.

3. MRI Open Bore Scans – High-Field (1.5T)

An open bore MRI provides a wider opening that allows for a far more comfortable MRI scan. With the traditional bore, there’s a slightly bigger opening than the patient, and this creates a very uncomfortable, restrictive environment.

4. MRI Scans – High-Field (1.5T)

This high-field (1.5T) MRI scanning machine offers the most innovative imaging technology. It’s valuable for doctors to scan all body parts and is considered the industry standard.

5. 3T MRI Scans

Also known as the 3 Tesla MRI, the 3T MRI scan is an efficient and powerful imaging exam that you may have instead of the 1.5T traditional scan. While 3T scanners were once only found mainly in medical research centers, these days, you may see them in clinical settings too.

The 3T scans use strong, powerful magnets, producing a magnetic field much more powerful than the 1.5T scan. This allows the MRI to create clearer images more quickly.

6. MRI Spectroscopy

MRI spectroscopy is a non-invasive method used for characterizing the biochemistry of infarcts, tumors and other pathology. It’s frequently performed to diagnose specific metabolic disorders such as those that affect the brain. It helps doctors figure out the specifics of tumors like their metabolism or aggressiveness.

7. MRCP Scans

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) scan is a specific type of MRI that focuses on attaining images of the pancreatic and hepatobiliary systems, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts and pancreatic duct.

Differences between CT scan and MRI