The typical scan times to acquire T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted (T2), and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) images can vary depending on the MRI scanner and specific protocols used. Overall, a typical MRI session incorporating T1, T2, and DTI sequences may take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific imaging protocols and machine capabilities. These times are approximate and can vary based on several factors, such as patient motion, the need for additional or repeated acquisitions, and the specific hardware and software used by the MRI scanner. It is also important to consider the use case for the acquired scans. For example, radiological reads can utilize anisotropic images with shorter acquisition time and while quantitative image analysis typically requires longer acquisition times for the acquisition of higher resolution images.
T1-weighted imaging is used for structural imaging and provides high-resolution anatomical detail and has a typical scan time of 5 to 6 minutes.
T2-weighted imaging is useful for detecting lesions, edema, and other pathologies. It generally takes less time than T1-weighted imaging, with a typical scan time of 3 to 8 minutes.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) imaging time can vary significantly based on the number of diffusion directions and the resolution required. Higher resolution and more diffusion directions increase the scan time. Typical scan times range from 5 to 15 minutes.