The differences between a CT scan and an MRI scan

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use large magnets with a strong magnetic pull along with radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body.1 These unique and safe scans are extremely effective for capturing images of a variety of internal structures, ranging from tissues and other soft matter, to ligaments, joints, and sometimes tumors. MRIs do not emit any type of ionized radiation, making them extremely safe tests to receive. There are various types of MRI scans, such as closed MRI scans, open MRI scans, MRSPs, and more. To learn more about MRI scans, visit scan.com’s MRI scan page.

What is a CT scan?

Computed tomography scans–sometimes also referred to as CAT scans–are a type of X-ray scan that rotates around your body and produces cross-sectional images of body parts via narrow beams of X-rays. CT scan machines then “stack” these detailed images together to form 3D pictures of various parts of your body, which helps radiologists and doctors with identification and determination of potential problems in your body.² 

CT scans sometimes use contrast dyes (also called contrast agents) to enhance the readability of CT scan images. Soft tissues, for example, may not always be easy for radiologists to see on CT scan images. Using a contrast agent can help add visibility to important structures in your body and help these more discreet body parts show up on CT scan pictures. CT scans can diagnose life-threatening conditions and abnormalities, such as:³

1. Bone fractures and other bone injuries or abnormalities² 
2. Blood clots³
3. Internal bleeding⁴
4. Cancer (and monitor cancer treatment)⁵
5. Tumors (both benign and malignant)

Since CT scans are a type of X-ray machine, and X-rays emit some ionized radiation, CT scans also emit a small amount of radiation. However, the risks of these scans almost always far outweigh their benefits. To learn more about CT scans, visit scan.com’s CT scan guide.

CAT scan vs. CT scan

CAT scans and CT scans are the same thing. Each of these terms refer to computed tomography scans and may utilize contrast agents to capture detailed pictures of your body’s internal structures and systems.

MRI scan vs. CT scan

MRI scans and CT scans are both safe medical imaging tools. Some of the biggest similarities of these are their uses and the fact that they each (generally) involve you lying down on a table that moves into a large scanning machine. Although doctors prescribe both MRI scans and CT scans to help them diagnose and identify a variety of health conditions and abnormalities, these scans are distinctly different types of medical imaging tools with some distinct uses, costs, and levels of relative efficacy. For example, CT scanners tend to be a bit quieter than MRI scanners and may be better for people who suffer from claustrophobia.

MRI vs. CT scans cost

MRIs tend to cost at least twice as much as CT scans for various reasons, including imaging clarity. This may sway some peoples’ decision as to whether to get a CT scan or MRI scan.

MRI vs. CT scans efficacy

MRIs and CT scans are each effective in helping radiologists and doctors diagnose a variety of issues, but either of these scan types’ efficacy depends on what they’re being used for. Which conditions and abnormalities being identified is another place where these two scans might differ. While CT scans use X-rays, MRI scans use ultrasound technology.

MRIs can usually produce clearer and more detailed images than CT scans, giving them a slight advantage in diagnosing certain disorders or abnormalities. Only a radiologist or physician can determine whether a CT scan or an MI scan is right for you.

MRI vs. CT scans safety

MRIs and CT scans are both relatively safe procedures. However, CT scans do emit a small amount of ionizing radiation because they use X-ray technology. Ionizing radiation can sometimes cause damage to DNA and tissues, but this damage is usually minuscule in comparison to the CT scan’s ability to catch life-threatening illnesses in early stages. In other words, many people tend to find that the small risk of exposure to radiation from CT scans and other X-ray machines is worth it in exchange for the abnormality-identifying capabilities of this advanced machine.

In pregnant women, doctors may prefer to opt for an MRI in lieu of a CT scan because of the risk of tiny amounts of radiation. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant before receiving any medical imaging scans. 

Overall, your doctor will decide what scan type is right for you based on a variety of factors, such as:

• The reason for your medical imaging scan
• Whether you have claustrophobia
• Whether you are pregnant
• The amount of detail needed for your medical imaging scan
  
  

Find an MRI or CT scan near you

If you are looking for an MRI scanner or CT scan center in your area, scan.com can help you. Use scan.com’s scan center search tool to help you find top-tier medical imaging centers in your area, including ultrasound clinics, X-ray centers, nuclear scan centers, MRI centers, CT centers, and many other types of scan centers. Use scan.com’s search tool today to find the best local diagnostic and medical imaging centers in your area.

Resources:

1. medlineplus.gov: MRI Scans
2. nibib.nih.gov: Computed Tomography (CT)
3. medicalnewstoday.com: What is the difference between CT scans and MRI scans?