MRIs: 1.5 tesla vs newer 3.0 tesla machines

[tc]

My new neurologist wants me to have my next MRI done on a newer, higher-powered MRI machine. My previous scans were done with a "1.5 tesla" machine. The newer machine is 3.0 tesla. My neurologist said that the pictures would be much clearer. (He is looking for syrinxes.) I found an article that said the newer machines are much faster. I like that! Also, the article said that about half as much injected contrast is required. That's good, too!

Here's the link to the article:
www.dimag.com/advancedMR/3tmri.jhtml

Has anyone else been told to get their MRIs done on the newer 3.0 machines? I had never heard of that before. I'm looking forward to seeing clearer pictures and spending less time in the tube!
Teresa

[bethann]

I have no idea what kind of MRI machine our hospital has? I know they can see my syrinx though. They also keep me in there way to long!
Beth

[drummer904]

Sept 14, 2008 15:08:18 GMT -6 tc said:

I'm looking forward to seeing clearer pictures and spending less time in the tube!
Teresa

Amen to that!!

[joanne]

I have had my last couple of MRI's done on a Tessla machine- my dr says the pics are much clearer. But the machine is MUCH louder! And , I didn't notice the scans taking any shorter time- ssemed the same for me.

[Joel]

Tesla just refers to the power of the machine. We have the new 3 Tesla machines here, and I have been using them for several years now. To me, they seem less noisy but I haven't noticed them being any faster. But, the pictures are much clearer.
Joel

[shannan]

I also do not what machine they have here, but I find the time goes very quickly as I sleep through the scans. The staff finds that rather amazing. My sister is the on ewho usually complains about the length of time it takes, apparently the waiting room chairs are rather uncomfortable.