The main difference between CT Scans and MRI scans is the use of rays during the process. CT scan uses X-rays, whereas strong magnetic fields and radio waves are used during MRI. Although both types of scans have similar uses and are related to disease diagnosis; however, the way they produce images is different.

CT scans and MRIs help doctors to examine the internal body parts, and doctors can see detailed images to detect the abnormalities like fractures in bones, stones, tumors, joint damage, and dislocation of bones. MRI is used to produce better and more detailed images of the internal part of the body; meanwhile, CT scans are more common and less expensive than MRI.

Table of Contents

What is CT Scan?

CT scan stands for computed tomography scan. It’s a diagnostic tool for detecting disease, injury, and abnormalities. In CT scans, X-rays and computers are used to produce a 3D image of the body’s internal parts and an image of the cross-section of the body. As in the CT scan, the doughnut-shaped tube rotated the X-rays 360 degrees around the body and provided a 3D view of the body parts. Due to the different densities of body tissues, other tissues absorb different amounts of X-rays; therefore, the high-density tissues produce a whiter image than low-density tissues.

CT Scan with Contrast

Sometimes physician uses a contrast agent, also called a dye, to improve the images by highlighting certain features. You either have to drink the contrast liquid or your physician use IV injections with the contrast depending upon the type of disease and the reason for the scan. The contrast liquid is then excreted out of the body through the urine.

CT scan is used to find the following:

Cancer and benign (noncancerous) tumor.
Fractures
Heart disease
Injuries in the spinal cord and brain
Internal bleeding
Abnormalities in organs and tissues

Advantages of CT Scan

CT scan is less expensive than compared to MRI.
CT scan is very efficient for imaging bone structures.
Time Efficient
The results of the CT scan can be improved by using contrast liquid.
CT scan provides a 3D body image by rotating X-rays 360 degrees.

Disadvantages of CT scan

CT scan requires the patients to hold their breath which is difficult for some patients.
CT scan of brain van de disturbed due to bones nearby.
CT scans can be dangerous for unborn babies. It can cause tumors or childhood cancer in babies.
Contrast liquid of CT scan can also damage the kidney.

What is MRI?

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) is a scan wherein strong magnetic fields and radio waves provide a clear and detailed image of the body’s internal parts. It consists of a massive tube with powerful magnets, and the patient lies inside it. The patient will be moved inside the tube depending on the body part to be examined during MRI.

MRI also can differentiate between various types of tissues, as MRI uses the protons of the body and different tissues have different protons, so it can easily distinguish between them. With MRI, doctors can examine almost any part of the body. It is a painless procedure. It looks at the body parts, including

Brain and spinal cord
Joints and bones
Blood vessels and heart
Other internal organs, such as the stomach and liver.

Advantages of MRI

MRI produces more clear images than a CT scan.
It can scan almost every part of the body.
Unlike X-rays, it does not harm the body with any harmful rays.
MRI can create images of the body in almost all directions.
MRI is non-invasive technique.

Disadvantages of MRI

MRI is expensive compared to a CT scan.
It is a time taking process.
It’s not very useful for claustrophobic patients as they have to lie inside the tube for a long time.
MRI cannot recommend for pregnant women.

Comparison chart between CT scan and MRI

Basis for Comparison	CT scan	MRI
Radiation exposure	In CT scans, X-rays are used, which are not very useful for the body and can harm the body parts.	In MRI strong magnetic field is used. It does not emit any ionization radiation.
cost	CT scan is a less expensive process than MRI	MRI is a costly process.
Time taken	CT scan can be done only in five minutes	MRI takes a long time, depending on the parts of the body to examine, ranging from ten to fifteen minutes.
Scope of applications	CT can scan bone very quickly and have good accuracy	MRI is used to examine different parts of the body and body organs.
Sensitivity to motion	CT scan is less sensitive to motion and gives results in less time	MEI is highly sensitive to motion. Patients are supposed to make fewer movements during the process.

Conclusion

CT scan and MRI are two different techniques to examine internal body parts. They have similar uses, but they produce pictures in different ways. MRI gives better results and more precise images as compared to CT scans. MRI is a bit expensive process, and it’s also time taking. A doctor will recommend the scan according to the condition of the patient.