MRI Technology
Preventative Care

What’s the Difference Between MRI and CT?

By Brian Tsui, MD
June 2, 2025

In today’s era of medical innovation, imaging technology isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about unlocking possibilities for proactive health management. At the heart of this revolution lies MRI, a testament to how superior technology can redefine patient outcomes while prioritizing safety and precision. Let’s explore how modern imaging tools like MRI and CT empower you to take control of your health journey.

Understanding MRI and CT

Both MRI and CT scans are designed to provide detailed images of the body, but they differ in how they work and what they reveal. CT scans use X-rays to create cross-sectional, 3D images, offering rapid results. For instance, a CT scan can capture clear images of the lungs in seconds during a single breath. CT scans are also helpful in the emergency setting, where it can scan a brain in seconds to evaluate for a devastating head bleed.

MRI, on the other hand, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissues like the brain, liver, or pancreas. This makes it ideal for detecting subtle changes in organs or tissues that might go unnoticed with other modalities such as in the brain or prostate. Unlike CT scans, MRI avoids radiation exposure entirely—a significant advantage for patients undergoing repeated imaging.

Why MRI Excels in Whole-Body Imaging

When it comes to whole-body imaging, MRI emerges as the superior choice for several reasons:

  • Sensitivity to Soft Tissue: Most diseases develop in soft tissues like the brain or liver. MRI’s superior image contrast makes it more effective at detecting early or subtle abnormalities.
  • Radiation-Free Imaging: Whole-body CT scans expose patients to a large dose of radiation, which accumulates over time when repeated. MRI eliminates this concern entirely.
  • Comprehensive Diagnostics: With its ability to characterize abnormalities across multiple systems in the body, an MRI often provides a definitive diagnosis without requiring additional follow-up tests.

Imagine catching a tumor at stage 1 rather than stage 3–MRI’s accuracy turns this into reality every day!

CoreViva Difference

It requires expertise to set up the MRI correctly for whole-body MRI. Our physicians at CoreViva are pioneers in whole-body imaging and have crafted a scan that is the most comprehensive, accurate, and fastest in the market, making it the best scan available. Come book a scan today and Know Your Body!


About CoreViva

CoreViva is a physician-led health technology company redefining preventive care with advanced whole-body MRI. Our mission is to improve early detection and treatment through the nation’s most advanced whole-body MRI, wellness education, and a world-class patient experience. By combining state-of-the-art imaging, AI-enhanced diagnostics, and compassionate care, CoreViva empowers individuals with deeper insights into their health—before symptoms arise. Learn more at www.coreviva.com and Know Your Body.

Brian Tsui, MD, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Brian Tsui is the Chief Medical Officer at CoreViva and a former attending radiologist at UCSF with a clinical focus in neuroradiology and research in artificial intelligence and MRI protocol optimization. He has authored nearly 40 presentations, publications, and book chapters on brain vessel imaging, women’s imaging, and musculoskeletal tumors.