Do you know your hospital alphabet? What’s the difference between a CT scan and an MRI? Both are invaluable diagnostic tools.
A CT scan uses xray radiation to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. A CT emits x-rays from different angles, and gives us cross-sectional images. We can even view the images in 3-D.
Uses include finding fractures, tumors, infections and blood clots. They’re also used to track cancer treatment, or to guide surgeons in certain procedures.
By comparison, MRI uses a strong magnetic field, and radiofrequency waves instead of radiation. MRI is especially good at looking at soft tissues, and is excellent for looking at organs from multiple angles. It offers a way to safely view the body’s internal organs, the brain and spinal cord, the heart and blood vessels, and joint disorders.
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The difference being… CTs give off a buttload of radiation, MRIs just rearrange your atoms for a few seconds.