Honestly, we’ve all probably wondered what the difference is between all these scans at some point. The medical jargon can be quite confusing. Why did the doctor recommend an ultrasound last time & what’s the purpose of an MRI? You might have had these & may have other similar questions. In this blog, we intend to end this confusion, once & for all. Before we delve into details, let us fill you in on the basics.

These are noninvasive (no needles or injections) imaging techniques that help visualise internal structures. From diagnosing diseases to assessing pre-existing conditions, planning surgeries & monitoring pregnancies – different types serve different purposes based on their specificity. This piece outlines all important information about the 4 most commonly used scanning procedures in the easiest possible manner.

1 – X-Rays

Starting with something that most of you would already be familiar with, i.e., X-rays. As the name indicates, X-rays pass through your body & an image is created on the machine. Now the principle is that not all organs absorb the same amount of radiation. Primarily, bones absorb the most rays & therefore appear lighter on the scans, whereas other tissues appear darker. This is why they’re predominantly used to identify bone diseases & fractures. Other than these, they might also help detect other conditions like pneumonia & tumor’s. The best part about these is that they’re affordable. Plus, you can also take advantage of the Vista Health Discount Code.

2 – Ultrasound

Next up is a one-of-its-kind imaging technique – Ultrasound. At this moment, it’s the only non-invasive technique that provides real-time moving images of internal organs. This makes it a much more versatile diagnostic tool that’s used for plenty of different purposes. Out of these, the most prominent one is monitoring fetal development during pregnancy. Besides this, it can be used to detect or assess abdominal & pelvic conditions, musculoskeletal abnormalities, cardiovascular problems & more. Coming to the concluding point – While X-rays are best for visualising hard, dense tissues like bones, Ultrasound is better for soft tissues & fluid-filled structures.

3 – CT Scans

The best way to understand CT Scans is to consider them a premium, updated version of the X-Ray Scans. Even though both techniques use the same type of radiation & principle, they differ in the type of image they create. While X-rays create a flat 2-D Picture, CT Scans offer a more detailed 3D version. To elaborate, you’ll be getting a more comprehensive picture (both literally & figuratively!). Now the question is how will your doctor choose between the two? This depends upon the clinical question. A CT scan can detect even the smallest of abnormalities & helps diagnose blood clots, brain injuries, and internal bleeding.

4 – MRI

Lastly, we have one of the most advanced scanning procedures i.e. MRI. Just like ultrasounds, MRI gives a much better soft tissue contrast. This makes it perfect for visualising Neurological structures, Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments & more. However, it is not that cost-effective & takes much more time compared to any other option. Additionally, it might not be favourable for patients with any type of medical implants. So, unless a superior level of detail is required, ultrasounds are a much safer, faster, affordable & widely available option.  Now, about choosing between an MRI or CT scan – your health care provider might go for a CT scan first as it’s faster & more affordable. If more detail is required, only then would an MRI be recommended.