What is a common limitation of MRI technology?

The correct choice highlights a significant limitation of MRI technology: the availability of MRI machines across various healthcare facilities. MRI machines are costly to purchase and maintain, which means that not all hospitals, particularly smaller or rural ones, can afford to have one on site. This can lead to disparities in access to MRI imaging, where patients in resource-limited settings may not have the same diagnostic capabilities compared to those in larger hospitals or urban centers.

In contrast, although CT scans might be preferred in certain situations, they can be less effective in discerning certain soft tissue details compared to MRIs, which primarily focus on that aspect. The misconception that MRI is the least expensive imaging technique overlooks the high initial and operational costs associated with MRI technology compared to other modalities. Furthermore, MRI indeed produces computerized images; thus, the assertion that it does not create computerized images is inaccurate and highlights a misunderstanding of how MRI technology functions.