3T Magnet MRI

Tesla (T) is the unit of measurement quantifying the strength of a magnetic field. Prior to the 3 Tesla Machine, the most advanced model of this type of MRI was 1.5 Tesla. With a magnet strength of 3 Tesla, or 3T, the new MRI is the most powerful scanner available to patients today in routine clinical use.

MRIs use a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of anatomy. Magnet strength is the key to image clarity; the stronger the magnet, the more clear the image. How strong is the magnet in a 3T MRI? Magnets that pick up junk cars have a strength of about 1.5T. Or, put another way, the 3T is 60,000 times as powerful as the earth's magnetic field.

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The 3T Magnet provides important tools to help physicians improve the accuracy of diagnoses and treatments of diseases including stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy, musculoskeletal and heart disease. The 3T Magnet allows radiologists at the INI to non-invasively conduct "brain mapping," precisely pinpointing areas of the brain that control actions like speech or movement. This information is critical when planning any type of brain surgery  that may impact brain tissue near vital movement or thought areas.