If you're in the market to buy an MRI scanner, ECRI Institute has published some thoughts on which magnet strength may best suit your needs.
The organization has released a paper titled "Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Essentials" that discusses the costs, safety, and technological pros and cons of 1.5-tesla and 3-tesla magnets.
Cost is one factor to consider, according to ECRI, since a typical 3-tesla MRI system is more expensive than a 1.5-tesla scanner. While there are no additional safety issues with 3-tesla systems, the greater magnet strength may be a concern for patients with certain implanted devices.
ECRI also noted that 3-tesla magnets offer better image quality, but improvements in 1.5-tesla technology may suffice for a majority of clinical applications.
