What is the difference between a CT Scan and an MRI ?

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What is the difference between a CT Scan and an MRI ?

2007-02-13 14:39:16 · 2 answers · asked by Phillip 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine

2 answers

CT scans use radiation, MRI scans use high power magnetic fields to line up hydrogen atoms, radiowaves sent bounce back and are recorded on a computer.

2007-02-13 14:45:27 · answer #1 · answered by sweetundina 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋

sweetundina has it going...
add to that answer that MRIs' are able to produce unbelievable in depth detail in real time, in color w/wo contrast - as opposed to snap shots (slices) produced by CT scans which are also very effective in diagnosis.
The other difference is the cost...
e.g. (MRI-$2500.00) - (CT-$1000.00)

2007-02-14 01:20:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋