What is the difference in a PET scan and an MRI?
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Imaging tests involve state-of-the-art equipment to generate high-quality images of the inside of a patient’s body. Three of the most well-known imaging tests are PET scans, CT scans, and
MRIs. Consider the below a primer on the differences between these diagnostic exams. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use a special dye that contains radioactive tracers to identify how well your organs and other tissue inside your body are functioning. These radioactive tracers are swallowed, inhaled, or injected into the veins, and a scan detects the
activity of the tracers once inside the body. The tracers collect in areas of the body with high chemical activity, which is typically a sign of disease such as cancer. The tracers are also used to measure blood flow, oxygen use, sugar levels, and the like. PET scans are typically used in conjunction with a CT scan or MRI. Computed tomography (CT) scans, on the other hand, works much like an X-ray, only with greater, 3D detail of the
organs, bones, and tissues inside your body. During the scan, a narrow x-ray beam circles your body, taking a series of images from different angles. These images are stored in a computer that can, in turn, create a cross-sectional view of the body part under examination. These images are used to detect bone and joint problems, critical conditions like cancer and heart disease, and evidence of internal bleeding, tumors, or blood clots. It may also use a contrast dye for even better
clarity on the resulting images. What Is an MRI?Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also takes detailed pictures of internal organs – but instead of using X-ray technology, an MRI uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and computer technology to create its images. It may be used with or without a contrast dye to see internal structures more clearly. During the MRI, you lay within a tube-like machine that produces a strong magnetic field to create its images, which are processed and stored in a computer. There is no radiation used during an MRI. Which Imaging Test Do You Need?The test your doctor recommends for you will depend on your specific needs. Each of the three are safe but have different advantages. Diagnostic Imaging in South FloridaThe experts at Independent Imaging include highly qualified radiologists and certified radiology technicians in Palm Beach County. Our imaging centers are all duly accredited by the American College of Radiology. We are here to provide safe, low-dose, and tailor-fit imaging procedures for your health care needs. If you need to undergo an imaging test, feel free to call us today to schedule an appointment at (561) 795-5558 or use our appointment request form now. We are looking forward to helping you. People regularly call our clinic to ask us to explain the difference between a PET scan and an MRI. At AIM Medical Imaging, we offer only MRI. The advanced technology at our Vancouver clinic allows us to offer whole body scans and enables us to detect cancer anywhere in the body. Most MRI machines are a long coffin-like tube, but our scanner uses wide open bore technology so it is shorter and much more open than a regular MRI machine. This technology allows 60% of the routine exams at our clinic to be completed with our patients’ heads outside of the scanner, which is great for claustrophobic or larger patients. There is no preparation involved when using MRI and there is absolutely no radiation. MRI uses a magnetic field to create images so patients will be asked to remove any metal objects, as wearing metal blurs the detailed 3D images produced during the exam. Both MRI and PET scans can be used to diagnose a health condition, see how a condition is developing and evaluate how effective an ongoing treatment is. The main difference is that PET scans use harmful radiation. According to Medical News Today, “PET scans are generally used alongside X-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. Doctors use PET scans as a complementary test to these main ones.” Private clinics, like AIM Medical Imaging, do not offer PET scans. To get a PET scan patients would have to be added to a waitlist in the public healthcare system. The images produced by MRI are clearer than a PET scan. Compare the images below. Want to know more about the difference between MRI and PET scans? Click the links below to see articles on Medical News Today explaining MRI and PET scans: Medical News Today MRI Information Medical News Today PET Scan Information What does an MRI show that a PET scan does not?A tracer is injected into your body that allows the radiologist to see the area scanned. An MRI scan can be used when your organ shape or blood vessels are in question, whereas PET scans will be used to see your body's function.
Which is better PET scan or MRI?MRI scans, note that both can detect diseases and abnormalities. However, PET scans can show how your body performs at the cellular level. On the other hand, PET scans include radiation. MRI scans don't expose you to harmful radiation, which can be preferable for certain patients and annual scans.
Why do I need an MRI and a PET scan?A PET-MRI scan combines a PET and an MRI scan into one to give detailed information about your cancer. PET stands for positron emission tomography. It uses a mildly radioactive drug to show up areas of your body where cells are more active than normal. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.
Is a PET scan as claustrophobic as an MRI?It is much less confining than an MRI. It is also very quiet and comfortable. Most claustrophobic patients have no difficulty with the procedure. However, if you are severely claustrophobic, you might ask your doctor to consider a mild sedative.
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