Numerically a 3 Tesla (T) MRI machine sounds twice as good as a 1.5 Tesla (T) machine. Yes, in terms of magnetic field strength (Tesla) it is obviously the case. However, from an imaging standpoint, a throughput standpoint, and a cost-effectivity standpoint, is it the same? This article gives a comparative discussion of two different MRI machines of different field strengths.
Comparing 1.5T vs 3T MRI systems identifies a number of advantages of 3T over 1.5T as follows: Increased signal to noise ratio (SNR) Increased spatial resolution Increased temporal resolution Increased specific absorption rate (SAR) Increased acoustic noise Signal to noise ratio In a perfect system SNR of a 3.0T system would be twice as good as at 1.5T. In reality, due to increase in susceptibility effects in most tissues, the actual improvement is only in the 30-60% range (instead of 100%). A stronger signal can…
