3T MRI Scan Time
Image quality and volume of data is ultimately a function of scan time. For scanners of the same magnetic strength, the longer the scan, theoretically the more sequences performed and a higher resolution and, thus more data and screening confidence. Click here to read more about the importance of scan time, and why faster isn’t necessarily better.
Definition of Scan Time
For the purpose of this comparison, we must firstly clarify that 1.5T and 3T platforms scan at differing speeds. Naturally, 3T platforms aquire higher-resolution images faster than 1.5T scanncers. In otherwords, 3T can aquire more data in the same scan time as 1.5T. Therefore, It is not possible to compare scan times between these two types of equipment. When doing your research, be mindful of this.
Secondly, it is entirely possible that an inexperienced clinic may advertise a typical scan time of 45 - 60 minutes. However, the actual scan time may be longer due to the need to re-scan parts of the body for one reason or another. In this can, these advertised scan times are a false indication, and the additional scan time experienced by the patient does not yeild any additional benefit.
In Australia, scan time is directly tied to the cost of the scan. Therefore, shorter scans offer a commercial competitive advantage to these clinics, undercutting other clinics who offer a more comprehensive approach to full-body MRI.
Short scan times may also be a result of:
1) A marketing attempt to boast more advanced technology scanning faster than others.
2) Omitting key MRI sequences due to limitations in technology or expertise, camouflaged as “patient comfort”
3) Not a true full-body MRI, acquiring “eyes-to-thighs” to reduce scan time.
Unfortunately, the importance of scan time is beyond the general public’s understanding of MRI systems. There is no magic physics, and when a clinics offers short scan times, it really indicates a commercial intent, omission of sequences, or technical limitations.
3T MRI Platforms
At the time of writing, most all providers utilise 3T MRI platforms. These include:
Aspect
Brisbane Radiology
CRT Imaging
Ezra
Mermaid Beach Radiology
Panorama Radiology Specialists*
Qscan (review coming soon, not included in table below as of yet.)
*For the purpose of this comparison, Panorama has been excluded as they do not appear to be offering a true full-body MRI, rather targeted-imaging of the brain, spine, abdomen and pelvis.
3T Full-body MRI Scan Time
| Location | Cost (AUD) | Cost (USD) | Scan Time | Anatomical Coverage | Cost per 15 min (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect Radiology | 2950 | ~1870 | 45 min | Unknown | 983.33 |
| Brisbane Radiology | 2200 | ~1394 | 45 - 60 min* | Head to toe | 550.00 - 733.33 |
| CRT Imaging | 2450 | Unknown | 45 min* | Head to knees | Unknown |
| Ezra | ~3752 | 2395 | 60 minutes | Head to knees | 938.00 |
| Mermaid Beach Radiology | 3150 | ~1995 | 100 minutes | Head-to-toe (includes CT chest, CT calcium score) | 472.50 |
*The advertised scan time may not be consistent with true scan time. While some uncontrollable factors such as patient size, and accidental movement (e.g. sneeze) may increase scan time; inexperience may result in the need for rescan. This adds scan time without patient benefit.
Conclusion
When comparing true scan time, the Whole Body MRI(tm) partner clinic Mermaid Beach Radiology comes out on top for best value 3T full-body MRI based on scan time at $472.50 (AUD)/ 15 minutes.
This is arguably further solidifies the best value for money when you factor in additional benefits, such as:
True head-to-toe scan
Dedicated brain imaging and quantification
Full-body diffusion with distortion correction (read the importance here)
Liver fat and iron quantification, and
Includes a complementary low-dose CT chest and coronary calcium score
Ability to stream video and music during scan
Based on cost per scan time, another Gold Coast provider, CRT imaging. Takes the cake for runner up. While CRT does not perform a true full-body (head to toe), CRT includes some clinically meaningful diffusion imaging, although missing out on challenging areas such as the neck and cardiothoracic region. There is no inclusion of brain, liver fat or iron quantification, and misses out on improved patient experience through the use of only audio during the scan.
And finally, in third place for cost per scan time is Brisbane Radiology at $550 - $733 per 15 minutes. Although anecdotal, full-body imaging leaves much to be desired as any attempt at diffusion-imaging adds little to no clinical value - as to be expected with full-body DWI on at 3T. On the positive side, they do have an in-bore audio-visuals; however, screening confidence cannot be overlooked.