What is a 3 Tesla MRI?

ATesla (T) is a unit of measurement used to denote the strength of magnetic fields. It’s named for the famous engineer and physicist, Nikola Tesla. In magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, powerful magnetic fields are used to align subatomic particles called protons that are present in organs and other tissues in the body. As the protons align, special radio technology causes them to emit signals that can be captured and interpreted into highly detailed images of structures inside the body. Most MRIs use magnetic fields measuring 1.5 Teslas. A 3 Tesla MRI uses magnetic fields with double the strength of traditional MRIs to create even more highly-detailed images in less time than traditional MRIs.

When is a 3T MRI used?

3T MRIs can be used for the same indications as traditional MRIs, to assess:

• the brain and skull for signs of stroke, aneurysm, epilepsy, tumors and neurodegenerative diseases;
• the heart and circulatory system to evaluate the structure and function of the heart or aorta, to assess the extent of damage following a heart attack or as a result of heart disease, or to look for inflammation and blockages in blood vessels;
• internal organs including the liver, kidneys, uterus, pancreas, spleen, ovaries and prostate;
• the breasts in women with dense breast tissue or when screening or diagnostic mammography reveals abnormalities that require additional imaging;
• the bones and joints to evaluate condition like arthritis, disc disease, bone infections or tumors, or other injuries or abnormalities that affect the function of joints.