Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners are used in many clinical applications for patients of all ages. In Canada, patients are most likely to be scanned with a 1.5 T MRI scanner; however, more powerful magnet strengths such as 3.0 T MRI are now available for clinical applications. With the stronger magnet field strengths comes the potential for increased imaging capabilities.

The decision to purchase a 1.5 T MRI scanner or a 3.0 T MRI scanner can be difficult, as MRI scanners are costly, rapidly advancing technologies that limited rigorous comparative evidence reporting on patient benefits including improved diagnoses, patient management, and clinical outcomes (that is, patient-relevant outcomes such as subsequent patient mortality or morbidity). The decision is further complicated by having to consider current and future clinical applications, and the fact that the purchased MRI may need to be used for a number of years.

Given the complexity of decisions involved in the purchase of an MRI, CADTH’s MRI Expert Advisory Panel has provided guidance to help Canadian jurisdictions considering the purchase of a 1.5 T MRI or 3.0 T MRI make informed decisions. The guidance was based on the best available evidence, and clinical and technical expertise.

Contents

• 1. GUIDANCE
• 2. BACKGROUND
• 3. SUMMARY OF APPROACH AND EVIDENCE
  • 3.1 Approach
  • 3.2 Evidence

This report is prepared by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). This report contains a comprehensive review of existing public literature, studies, materials, and other information and documentation (collectively the “source documentation”) available to CADTH at the time it was prepared, and it was guided by expert input and advice throughout its preparation.

The information in this report is intended to help health care decision-makers, patients, health care professionals, health systems leaders and policy-makers make well-informed decisions and thereby improve the quality of health care services.

The information in this report should not be used as a substitute for the application of clinical judgment in respect of the care of a particular patient or other professional judgment in any decision making process nor is it intended to replace professional medical advice. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up-to-date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not responsible for any errors or omissions or injury, loss, or damage arising from or as a result of the use (or misuse) of any information contained in or implied by the information in this report.

CADTH takes sole responsibility for the final form and content of this report. The statements, conclusions and views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the view of Health Canada or any provincial or territorial government.

Production of this report is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada and the governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.