What is the Difference Between MRI and CT?

While both MRI and CT scans produce cross-sectional images of the body, MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves, whereas CT uses X-rays. MRI is better for viewing soft tissues, while CT is typically better for viewing bones.

MRI Exams | Advanced MRI Services at Jefferson Radiology

Q: How Does the MRI Work?

MRI produces photos of the inside of your body using magnets and radio waves. Different tissue characteristics are translated into different contrast levels on the image. A typical procedure averages 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of information required by your physician. You can help to make your images as clear as possible by relaxing and remaining still during the exam. Some patients even fall asleep during their MRI exam.

Q: MRIs can be loud. What Causes the Noise?

Once the exam begins, you will hear a knocking sound representing changes in the magnetic field. This sound is a normal part of the imaging process. We offer headphones during the exam to provide you with a more peaceful experience.

A more comfortable MRI with shorter scan times

With shorter scan times and highly-trained physicians to interpret your images, we ensure the most accurate results so you can get back to what matters most —your health.

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Our Approach

Experience the Jefferson Difference

Our state-of-the-art technology offers better image quality and shorter scan times. We also offer more spacious scans with Open MRI and Wide-Bore MRI. Reduced noise, soft lighting, and easy positioning mean a more relaxing experience and, ultimately, better quality images.

Advanced Image Quality
+ Shorter Scan Times

Jefferson Radiology is one of the few practices in the state to offer a revolutionary technology that reduces MRI exam time. This software provides more detailed images during the MRI and faster scans. More locations coming soon!

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Highly Skilled and Caring Technologists

Our technologists' kind and compassionate care are why our patients continue to choose us for their MRI needs. Patient care and expertise matter, which is why our techs continue to develop their skills with advanced training.

Appointments by Location

MRI Accredited Facility

Jefferson Radiology is recognized as an Accredited Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Facility by the American College of Radiology.

Learn More About Our Accreditations

Patient Safety

We designed a multi-step process to ensure the highest standards of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safety for every patient. Our best practice safety measures include our multi-step screening questionnaire and metal detection process. As a result, we can now safely accommodate patients with stimulators.

Appointments

3 Step MRI safety for every patient

Step 1:
Screening Call

Patients get a phone call a day or two before a scheduled MRI to review screening questions and ensure they are MRI-compatible.

Step 2:
Paperwork Review

The screening questions are reviewed a second time the day of the appointment when the patient is onsite for their MRI.

Step 3:
Metal Detector

Before entering the MRI room, patients go through a metal detector to ensure there is no loose metal on them.

What to Expect During your MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, also known as MRI, is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic exam that produces higher quality images of the body, allowing physicians to provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Jefferson Radiology’s MRI Appointments offer:

Faster Scans
Quieter Exam
Caring Technologists
Expert Physicians

Watch a Video on what to Expect During an MRI

List of MRI Exams We Offer

An MRI for Every Body

The Open MRI machine at our Bloomfield location can be lowered, making accessibility easier for patients who use wheelchairs. An Open MRI provides a 270-degree viewing angle that accommodates claustrophobic and bariatric patients. Patients can expect reduced noise and soft lighting while relying on the best quality imaging.

Open MRI Appointments

Our Locations

You have options for your MRI.

Avon Imaging Center

100 Simsbury Road, Suite 101
Avon, CT 06001

Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday | 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Hours Vary by Exam

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Bloomfield Imaging Center

6 Northwestern Drive, Suite 102
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Hours Vary By Exam
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weeknight appointments available for MRI until 10pm

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Enfield Imaging Center

100 Hazard Avenue, Suite 100
Enfield, CT 06082

Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 5:00pm
Weeknight appointments available for MRI
Weekend appointments available for Mammography
Hours Vary by Exam

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Farmington Imaging Center

399 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06032

Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:15pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography
Hours vary by exam

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Glastonbury Imaging Center

704 Hebron Avenue, Suite 100 (Access to building off Oakwood Drive)
Glastonbury, CT 06033

Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography and MRI
Hours vary by exam

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West Hartford Imaging Center

941 Farmington Ave
West Hartford, CT 06107

Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for Mammography and MRI
Hours vary by exam

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Wethersfield Imaging Center

1260 Silas Deane Highway
(Suite 100: CT & MRI | Suite 104: All Other Exams)
Wethersfield, CT 06109

Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography
Hours vary by exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces detailed images of the inside of your body using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. Different tissue characteristics are translated into various contrast levels on the image. A typical procedure averages 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of information required by your physician. You can help to make your images as clear as possible by relaxing and remaining still during the exam. Some patients even fall asleep during their MRI exam.

MRI is important because the scans help diagnose and monitor patients accurately while producing detailed images for your doctor to make the best decisions about your care plan. MRI can show the difference between healthy and diseased tissue and provide important information about the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and has no known side effects.

While most exams do not have requirements, some may need you to fast a few hours before the exam. Your doctor will give you instructions if that is necessary. You will be asked to remove items that are incompatible with the strong magnetic field, like metal implants. Check with your physician or MRI technologist if you have had any brain, ear, or eye surgeries or any of the following: Pacemaker, neurostimulators (TENS unit), metal implants, Intrauterine device, aneurysm clips, surgical staples, implanted drug infusion device, foreign metal objects in the eye, or permanent eyeliner.

Once the exam begins, you will hear a loud noise representing changes in the magnetic field. This sound is a normal part of the imaging process. We offer earplugs or headphones during the exam to provide you with a more peaceful experience.

No, an MRI itself does not hurt. However, lying still for an extended period can become uncomfortable, and some people might feel claustrophobic inside the MRI machine. It’s important to talk to your doctor before your exam if you feel you may be uncomfortable. Additionally, you’ll receive a call button to hold onto before the exam is started. It will allow you to maintain two-way communication with the technologist during the exam.

During your MRI exam, a technologist can always see you. For your convenience, an intercom system is built into the MRI scanner so you can communicate with the technologist anytime. A contrast agent may be administered in certain instances to enhance the study. There are no extra precautions for the contrast (if required), but you can consult your physician or technologist if you have any questions. You should also inform the technician if you have any metal in your body, tattoos, or if there’s a possibility you’re pregnant.

While both MRI and CT scans produce cross-sectional images of the body, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves, whereas CT uses X-rays. MRI is better for viewing soft tissues, while CT is typically better for viewing bones.

Not always. The part of the body being imaged will be centered in the magnetic field. However, for imaging areas like the spine or areas of the brain, most of your body might be inside the MRI machine.

When your referring doctor says they have reviewed your MRI results, that usually means they have reviewed the imaging exam with a radiologist. An MRI radiologist is a medical doctor specialized in reading and diagnosing MRIs. The radiologist reading your MRI is like an expert counselor to your doctor who sent in your order for the MRI. The radiologist aids your doctor in choosing the best exam you need, interpreting the radiology exam, and relaying the test results to your doctor to plan your care.

MRI vs. CT Scans

Exploring the Differences

Dive into the world of medical imaging and discover the distinctions, benefits, advantages, and disadvantages between MRI and CT scans.

MRI Exams

A more comfortable MRI with shorter scan times