A 1.5 Tesla high-field MRI is the hospital standard of care for magnetic resonance imaging. The stronger magnetic field produces higher signal and better contrast, letting radiologists resolve ultra-thin 1mm slices and identify subtle abnormalities — with no ionizing radiation.
Also called: 1.5T MRI · High field magnetic resonance imaging
What does 1.5 Tesla mean?
Tesla is the unit of magnetic field strength. A 1.5T magnet delivers substantially more signal than low-field systems, which improves image contrast and helps radiologists identify subtle findings. A board-certified radiologist put it plainly: low-field magnets produce lower-quality images where subtle findings may be missed, which is why 1.5T is the standard of care in hospitals.
What happens during the exam?
You lie comfortably on a table that slides into the magnet, surrounded by the magnetic field and radio waves. You will hear knocking and buzzing — we provide ear protection — and the most important thing you can do is stay still, which keeps the images sharp and scan times down.
- Most exams take 15–20 minutes
- Ultra-thin 1mm image slices
- Short-bore design with head-out positioning for many exams
- Dedicated lightweight coils for each body part
- Images acquired 1.5–2 times faster than open systems
What is MRI used to diagnose?
High-field MRI is used across neuroimaging, spine, musculoskeletal and joint imaging, abdominal imaging, oncology, cardiology, and vascular imaging — anywhere soft-tissue detail matters.
How do I prepare?
We provide scrubs for every patient, no jewelry. Tell us about any implants, pacemakers, or metal fragments before your visit.
What equipment is used?
- GE Signa Excite 1.5T — Proven high-field workhorse for fast, sharp studies.
- Canon Vantage Elan 1.5T — Quiet, compact high-field imaging with patient-first design.
Where can I get this exam?
1.5T High Field MRI is available at all nine of our west-central Florida centers. One call reaches every location — we will schedule you wherever the soonest opening is, usually the same week.
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Medically reviewed by the board-certified radiologists of MRI Associates · Updated 2026-08-25