What happens during a chest mri or ct?

Computerized section: Both MRI and ct mean getting sections of your body with the aid of computer. Only difference is in "how". Ct uses x-rays and MRI uses radiowaves in a magnetic field. You lay still inside a machine which lookd like a short tunnel (gantry) and these enregies (x-rays or radiowaves) go through your body and records the density of your tissue. The computer analyzes the density and display image.

Noninvasive exam: A chest ct is very quick. You are passed through a doughnut shaped machine. They may give you a fluid (contrast dye) through a vein but many chest ct exams are done without dye. Mri takes more time and the machine is tube like in nature. They may also give you a fluid into the vein. Both are not painful without any recovery. Can be done in hospital or radiology practice office.