While the number of specific MRI tests can vary greatly depending on what part of the body is being imaged and what the doctor is looking for, a fundamental distinction can be made based on the type of MRI machine used. There are two main types of MRI tests, differentiated by the MRI machine design.
Types of MRI Machines
Here's a breakdown of the two main types:
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Closed-Bore MRI:
- This is the more traditional type of MRI machine.
- The patient lies on a table that slides into a narrow, tube-like structure.
- According to the provided reference, a closed-bore MRI positions you through a ring of magnets.
-
Open MRI:
- This type of MRI is designed to be more open and less confining than closed-bore MRIs.
- It features two magnets positioned above and below the patient, as noted in the reference.
- This design is often preferred for patients with claustrophobia or larger body sizes.
Therefore, based on the MRI machine configuration, there are fundamentally two types of MRI tests.
