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CT Scanning, Medical Imaging, MRI, Radiology / 02.06.2025

Imagine two powerful, non-invasive imaging tools, each with its own unique set of capabilities. Both MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are essential in the medical field for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Yet, they operate on entirely different principles and are used in distinct scenarios. Understanding the differences between MRI and CT scans can empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This article will delve into the workings of MRI and CT scans, their benefits and drawbacks, and why a healthcare professional might choose one over the other.

How MRI and CT Scans Work

MRI St George uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's soft tissues, including the brain, spine, joints, and organs. The magnetic field aligns the water molecules in your body, and as they return to their natural state, they emit energy that is detected and converted into detailed images by a computer. MRI is excellent at visualizing internal structures and can differentiate between various types of tissue. On the other hand, CT scans rely on X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. The X-ray beam moves around the patient, capturing images from multiple angles. These images are then reconstructed by a computer into a detailed, 3D picture of the internal body structures. CT scans are particularly adept at capturing images of bones, blood vessels, and organs. (more…)
MRI / 29.05.2025

Editor's note: Full body MRI testing is generally considered an elective procedure that is not covered by insurance policies.  These scans should not replace regular health screens such as mammograms, prostate exams, colonoscopies etc. or follow-ups with your health care providers. Getting a full body MRI is scan one of the ways to get ahead of potential health issues — but once your scan is done and the report lands in your inbox, it can be a little overwhelming. Medical language, acronyms, and radiology-speak aren’t exactly designed for everyday reading. You don’t need a medical degree to get the most out of your MRI results. You just need a little guidance on what to look for, what common terms mean, and how to tell what’s worth paying attention to. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reading and understanding your full body MRI scan results.

Step 1: Know What a Full Body MRI Actually Covers

A full body MRI scan is a non-invasive procedure that captures high-resolution images of your soft tissues, organs, spine, joints, and brain.  It’s often used for early detection of:
  • Tumours or masses
  • Organ inflammation or cysts
  • Spinal degeneration or disc issues
  • Brain changes (atrophy, small vessel disease, etc.)
  • Joint or muscle abnormalities
Think of it as a snapshot of your internal health — not a diagnosis in itself, but it can be a useful tool to catch things early. (more…)
Author Interviews, Dermatology, MRI, NEJM / 06.02.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Martina Callaghan PhD Head of Physics & Senior Lecturer Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging Institute of Neurology University College London London

MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings?

Response: As mirrors the situation in the general population, we found that an increasing number of volunteers who were seeking to enter cognitive neuroscience studies at our Centre had tattoos. However, the magnetic fields used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pose a potential safety risk for people with tattoos. A number of case reports have described such incidents.  However, as these describe isolated cases retrospectively, there was not enough information to objectively assess the risk of tattoo-related adverse reactions for persons having an MRI scan.  Therefore, in 2011, we decided to embark upon this first prospective study to quantitatively assess this risk.

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