The CT and the MRI machines are diagnostic scanners used in the field of radiology to examine the body. Generally, both scanners have their individual uses but their function overlaps in certain situations. “The Computerized Axial Tomography makes use of x-rays to generate images of the body, including the bone” (diffen. com, 2008). On the other hand, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a magnetic resonance imaging to obtain high-contrast detailed images in any plane of the tissues of the body. (Encarta, 2008)
Furthermore, the typical CT scan takes about 5 minutes to complete scanning while the MRI takes about half an hour to complete scanning. Apart from this, CT scanners produce better details about bony structures when we compare it to the bony structure that is produced by the MRI scanners. On the other hand, the MRI scanners provide a clearer and more detailed result more than CT scanners when it is used for viewing soft tissues. Also the MRI can produce images of any elevation without telling the patient to shift while this function can not be performed by CT scanners.
Another difference that can be identified between the MRI machine and the CT scanner is that the MRI scanner does not have any risk of radiation exposure while patients are exposed to radiation in CT scans. In terms of cost efficiency, using the CT scanners is cheaper that the MRI scanner. While the average cost of a CT scan is $50, it takes around $200 to get a MRI scan done in hospitals. Finally, CT scanners are less sensitive to any movement made by patients in the course of the examination like in the MRI scanning examination.
Also, the CT scan can be done by patients who have medical implants. This is not possible in MRI scans as the magnetic imaging would be affected. Reference: http://www. radiologyinfo. org/en/info. cfm? PG=bodyct&bhcp=1. Retrieved November 18, 2008 http://www. diffen. com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_MRI#Working_of_MRI_vs. _CT_Scan. Retrieved on November 18, 2008 http://www. washingtonradiology. com/exams/mri/patfaq. html Retrieved on November 18, 2008 Encarta Dictionary 2008