What type of equipment is use in scanning images?
• There are two types of MRI units; high-field MRI and low-field, open MRI. In the former, the patient lies still within a cylindrical magnet while radio waves are directed at protons, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms, which are alternately excited and relaxed, emitting radio signals which are then processed by a computer to form an image. High-field MRI produces superior images in a shorter scan time and is preferred by most physicians. Low field, open MRI is dictated for patients who are claustrophobic or obese. Image quality is good but the scan time is generally longer than the high-field unit. Importance of MRI MRI is painless and has no known side effects. It usually reveals more details than other imaging modalities. Usually there is a clear distinction between healthy and diseased tissue on MRI. Harmful effects of radiation are avoided. MRI does not use X-rays or radiation.
