Medical exams and technology have advanced dramatically in recent years. We now have the technology to obtain internal images of organs and any possible abnormalities or injuries. Two of the most common forms of internal imaging that we use are MRI’s and CT scans. Each of these serve different purposes and have different ways of fulfilling them.
Important Information About MRI
1. What It Is
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and is a medical technique that uses radio waves and magnetic fields in order to gain an image of organs and tissues within the body. It is used to diagnose various medical conditions and diseases. They are large machines that are tube shaped. The magnetic field rearranges hydrogen atoms in the body in order to outline organs.
2. Why It’s Used
MRI’s are used for a large amount of medical diagnoses. Since it can image any part of the body, it’s uses are virtually endless. Some of the common reasons are strokes, tumors, heart damage, aneurysms, blood vessel blocks, organ abnormalities, detection of breast cancer, bone infections, and joint disorders.
3. What To Expect
When getting an MRI for the first time you can be nervous or worried as to what the test will be like. The machine looks like a tube and is open on both ends. The doctor has you lie down on a table that slides into the opening. The person performing the test will go into a room next to the MRI room, that has a large window for monitoring. The scan can last up to an hour or even more, and it is very important for you to be still because even slight movements can cause the images to blur. Many people are worried that they will feel claustrophobic in the machine, in these cases your doctor may give you a mid sedative to relax you. The scan is completely painless because you cannot feel the magnetic field around you. It can be somewhat noisy, headphones or earplugs are often provided in order to block this noise. There are no special aftercare requirements after an MRI scan.
4. Cost
Most insurances cover MRI tests if they have been deemed necessary by your doctor. If you do not have insurance the cost can be quite high. Depending on the area and extent of the scan they can cost between 2,000 and 4,000 dollars.
CT Scan Facts
1. What It Is
Ct scan, which stands for computed tomography, is a piece of technology that scans certain areas of the body and produces multiple images of the inside of the body. The images are done with multiple different angles of computer processed X-rays. All of the data collected can be aligned in order to build up 3-D images of the body. It is very widely used, with an estimated 72 million scans performed in the United States in 2009.
2. Equipment
The CT scanner is a large machine that has a tunnel in the center. This is referred to as the x-ray tube. There is a narrow table that slides in an out of the tube. Within the tube are x-ray detectors in the shape of a ring. These are called a gantry. There is also a computer workstation in a separate room where the technologist operates the scanner.
3. Why It’s Done
CT scans are extremely quick and accurate for getting cross sectional views of all types of tissues in the body, because of this it is very widely used. Some common reasons that this type of test may be performed is severe injuries, tumors, lymphoma, cystic fibrosis, to plan for surgery, to measure bone density, and to monitor tumors responses to treatments.
4. What To Expect
CT scan procedure is very similar to a normal X-ray. You are put onto the examination table lying flat on your back. Some restraints may be used in order to maintain the proper positioning throughout the scan. The table with then move through out the scanner to find the correct starting position. The table will then pass slowly through the scanner, usually only taking a few seconds. In some cases the table will pass through multiple time. The test is completely painless.
5. Risks
The only risk associated with CT scans are the radiation that is used. The X-ray beams send concentrated radiation beams to the part of the body being scanned. Radiation has negative effects such as cancer if received in high doses. This risk is higher in children.
Differences Between MRI and CT Scan
1.What Is Used
The types of technology that are utilized to gather the images. With an MRI magnetic fields are used in order to image the organs. CT scans on the other hand, use radiation in order to obtain the internal images.
2. Length
Another large difference between these two tests are how long they take. Because MRI’s are much more in depth, they take a significant amount of time to complete, an hour of more. CT scans are completed in a matter of seconds.
3. Cost
Medical tests can cost quite a pretty penny, especially ones using expensive technology such as internal imaging. A CT scan is much cheaper and cost effective than an MRI, mostly due to the length. MRI’s can run u to 4,000 dollars while CT scans are typically no more than 800 dollars.