MRI and CT Scans are medical procedures of imaging inside the body in order to diagnose, diseases or injuries. The major Difference Between MRI and CT Scan is the use of technology for taking imaging. In an MRI scan patient is allowed to lie in the chamber like a magnetic field that passes radio waves inside the body to take images. This procedure may take a long time to scan even if it may take an hour but its average time is about 4o minutes. On the other hand in the CT scan procedure, the patient is allowed to lie against an open machine that aimed to pass x-rays beam to take images.
Difference Between MRI and CT Scan
MRI and CT Scans are medical procedures in order to take detailed imaging of organs and soft tissues inside the body. The use of technology is the major difference between a CT scan and MRI such as MRI uses radio waves while on the other hand, while a CT scan uses an X-rays beam. Moreover, other Difference Between MRI and CT Scan are listed below in the table
| MRI | CT Scan |
| MRI stands for (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | CT Scan stands for (Computed Tomography) |
| In this procedure, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to take images inside the body | While in this procedure x-rays beam is aimed to take cross-sectional images or slices. |
| MRI Scan is expensive and time taking as compared to CT Scan | Whereas, CT Scan is less expensive than MRI Scan |
| MRI Scan may take a long time to scan images depending upon the part of the body which is scanning. The average time of an MRI is about 40 minutes but it may take more than one hour. | CT scan is not time taking as compared to MRI |
| MRI Scanning machine consists of a magnetic field or a type of chamber in which the patient lies inside the chamber. | Where are CT Scan machine is open |
| MRI scan is a safe procedure than CT Scan | While CT Scan use X-rays radiation which damages the cells of the body |
| MRI is used to scan diseases and injuries in the brain, spinal cord, joint injuries and disorders, prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver diseases, kidney diseases, kidney disorders, abdominal and pelvic disorders such as cysts, tumors, etc. | CT Scan is used to scan diseases and injuries in bones, head chest, joints, misalignments, cardiovascular diseases, heart and blood vessels, liver, lungs, and kidneys diseases |
MRI
MRI stands for (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). It is a medical procedure of imaging different organs and muscles of the body. In this process, magnetic fields and radio waves are used to take images inside the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, bones, joints, blood vessels, and other organs such as the liver. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that contains powerful magnets and computer-generated radio waves. During an MRI scan patient lies in a large tube scanner in order to take detailed images of body tissues, organs, and muscles that are affected. Usually, an MRI scan is used to diagnose different diseases or injuries, like spinal and joint injuries, injury or disease in digestive organs, injury of the brain, and heart, spinal injuries, Nerve Compression, Cartilage loss, joint inflammation, and torn ligaments.
CT Scan
CT scan stands for (Computed tomography). It is a computerized x-ray imaging procedure. In this procedure, the patient lies on a sliding table. In which an x-ray beam is aimed to take cross-sectional images. These cross-sectional images are called slices, these slices are also called tomographic images which help to diagnose multiple medical conditions such as bone fractures, internal injuries, cancer, etc. CT Scan is basically used to test the complete condition of the patient inside the body. The injuries which require CT Scans include; bone fractures, blood clots, organ injuries, etc.
CT Scan vs MRI
MRI is a safe diagnostic procedure as compared to a CT scan. The radio waves used in MRI may heat the metal articles. That’s why before taking an MRI scan patient is allowed to remove the articles made of metal. While in a CT scan, there is no heat in the X-ray beam. But it damages or affects the cells of the body Special radiographers. MRI Technologists and CT Technologists are allowed to take MRI and CT Scan procedures. The injuries which require MRI include; spinal injuries, Nerve Compression, Cartilage loss, joint inflammation, and torn ligaments. While on the other hand injuries which require CT Scans include; bone fractures, blood clots, and organ injuries.
It helps to diagnose the range of diseases or injuries of the brain, spinal cord, organs, soft tissues, heart, blood vessels, etc. MRI means magnetic resonance imaging while CT scan means computed tomography. If you have any doubt about the Difference Between MRI and CT Scan you can ask in the below comment.