U3T MRI Centre offers several benefits, including:​

• Flexible exam times

• Prompt reporting to your physician

• A complimentary CD of your images

• Highly trained technologists

• A comfortable and professional exam environment

• A large bore MRI with a more open feeling 

• Powerful 3 tesla (3T) technology (twice the strength of most MRI machines)

 

Why is 3T better?

 

Due to the technology's higher cost, 3 tesla (3T) MRI has traditionally been limited to research institutions, while 1.5T MRI, with its weaker magnetic field, has been standard for clinical use. While the University of Lethbridge spends much of its time doing world-class research, we are pleased to also be able to offer state-of-the-art diagnostic medical scans to our community, in conjunction with our affiliates. 

 

 

 

 

What is a tesla, and why does magnetic field strength matter?

 

The tesla (T) is the unit of measurement which quantifies the strength of a magnetic field.  Prior to the 3T machine, the high-field standard was 1.5T.  Our scanner generates a magnetic field that is twice the strength of 1.5T machines and 10 to 15 times the strength of low-field or open MRI scanners.  The magnetic field produced by our 3T Magnetom Skyra MRI system yields exceptional anatomic detail.  So, if a picture is worth a thousand words, the 3T MRI is an encyclopedia.  The increased image clarity revealed by 3T is particularly beneficial for pathological conditions involving the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system.

 

When compared to a lower field strength magnet, 3T offers:

 

• increased signal to noise ratio (SNR)

• increased spatial resolution

• increased temporal resolution

 

 

The increased spatial resolution of the 3T scanner also allows for high-quality vascular imaging, so 3T MR Angiogram studies may often replace the need for invasive interventional catheter studies.

 

The 3T Magnetom Skyra is extremely efficient.  Offering a larger bore and higher weight capacity, the 3T machine maximizes patient comfort while providing exceptional image quality.  The superb reliability of high-field MRI allows our dual-certified (Canadian Fellows / American Board-certified) Radiologists to differentiate between benign and potentially hazardous medical conditions with confidence.  This allows your health care team to provide you with earlier diagnosis and treatment, subsequently leading to more positive outcomes.

 

 

Wouldn't you prefer to be scanned on a state-of-the-art 3T MRI for the same cost as a 1.5T?

 

Wouldn't you prefer to be scanned on the same machine used by the world-renowned CCBN for its own research?