MRI Scanners and CT Scanners are both medical imaging equipment used to scan and form images of bones, tissues, or organs within the human body. These images are used to diagnose and treat various conditions. Though both are ultimately used for scanning purposes, there are many differences between MRI scanners and CT scanners. They differ from the methodology of scanning to their benefits, risks involved, costs, and their applications. These are heavy-duty medical scanners and a huge market of pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners and CT scanners is present across the USA and other countries. Many medical facilities like hospitals, medical institutes and organizations, private clinics, and more are these days moving towards buying refurbished or pre-owned medical imaging equipment. As a healthcare professional, if you are looking at expanding your existing medical set up or planning to start a new facility, we can help you with stepwise guidance in procuring the best suited refurbished or pre-owned medical imaging equipment.

To begin with, in this post, we will discuss the major differences between MRI vs. CT scanners so you can decide on which type of scanner fits better with your current requirement.

An MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine mainly uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of body structures like soft tissues and organs.

A CT, computerized tomography scanner, or CAT, computerized axial tomography scanner uses X-rays from different angles to create multiple cross-sections of the human body which are converted to images using a computer. CT scanners are used to diagnose problems in bones, tissues, and organs.

Refurbished MRI and CT Scanner: Differences & Benefits

Some of the major differences between CT scanners and MRI scanners range from the resolution of the images produced by them to their scan cost.

• CT scanner produces a very general image of an area of the organ or tissues to be scanned whereas an MRI scanner produces detailed images used for a more accurate diagnosis.
• CT scanners normally have an open design and can accommodate larger patients vs. the MRI scanner
• CT scanner takes much less time to scan and produce an image as compared to an MRI scanner. In emergencies, CT scans are used to make quick diagnoses. While the average duration range of a CT scan is between 10 to 15 minutes, MRI scan average duration ranges from 45 minutes to more than an hour.
• CT scanner is not as loud and noisy as MRI scanner which calls for earphones to reduce the noise
• CT scans are much more economic and cost almost half when compared to MRI scans

Refurbished MRI Scanner Vs CT Scanner: Safety & Risks

Though there are some risks involved in both, CT scanners and MRI scanners are low-risk medical imaging equipment making them relatively safe to use. Let’s discuss the different types of risks involved in MRI vs. CT scanners:

• CT scanner exposes patients to radiation which can be harmful. Though it is low radiations, CT scanner can still pose a risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies as radiation increase the risk of birth defects. Patients also might develop a reaction to the dyes used as a contrast to enhance the CT scan images
• MRI scanner uses strong magnets which can be a risk to use for patients with any metal inside the body like eye implants, artificial joints, a pacemaker in the heart or defibrillators, an IUD, or any other metal devices. Also since MRI scans take more than half an hour, they can lead to an increase in body temperature. An MRI scanner can get claustrophobic due to its closed design. And its loud noise can result in hearing issues.

Cost difference between Refurbished MRI Scanner and CT Scanner

CT scanners and MRI scanners are critical imaging equipment and their cost varies as per their types and other factors.

• A CT scanner machine costs much lesser as it uses X-rays involving radiations and a computer to generate scan images. A pre-owned CT scanner can cost 50-80% less as compared to a new machine, whereas a refurbished CT scanner can cost 30-40% less compared to a new CT scanner.
• The cost of an MRI scanner is double as compared to the CT scanner as they use strong magnets to produce scan images of human organs and tissues. However, pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners can cost 30-80% less without compromising on the scan image quality.

Applications of Refurbished MRI and CT Scanner

• CT scanner is used for imaging soft tissue structures for lesions, tumors, and metastasis. CT scanner is used for scanning liver, lung tissue, neck & thyroid abnormalities, internal bleeding, head for detecting tumors and hemorrhage, cardiac anatomy, abdominal diseases, body fat, bone fractures, and diagnosis of cancer. With modern technologically advanced refurbished CT scanners, new areas of use are being established.
• MRI scanners, due to the detailed scan images produced by them, have a wide range of applications in diagnosis as well as follow-up scans during ongoing treatments. MRI scanners are widely used for scanning joints, blood vessels, breasts, heart, the brain, and spinal cord. MRI scans are used to diagnose conditions ranging from torn ligaments to cancer.

In conclusion, both CT scanners and MRI scanners are equally important medical imaging equipment and a doctor is the best person to suggest which scanner should be used pertaining to a certain medical situation or diagnosis to be made. We house a wide range of top-notch modern, upgraded refurbished, and pre-owned medical imaging equipment including CT scanners and MRI scanners from established brands like Siemens, Toshiba, Philips, GE, and more.

Choose the best refurbished medical equipment for your healthcare facility so you can deliver quality medical care to your patients. Get in touch with us and let’s discuss your requirement.