Noise is present in all electronic systems, and originates from a number of sources including electronic interference. It appears as irregular granular pattern in all images and degrades image information. It may be inapparent or render images non-diagnostic, depending on the severity.

Radiographic issues

Plain film

Noise in plain film depends on the number of discrete x-ray photons reaching the detector. Noise in plain radiography can be decreased by increasing the mAs. If we increase the dose by N times to the patient noise decreases by square root N times.


Noise (quantum noise) in CT depends on the number of discrete x-ray photons reaching the detector.


The electronic noise of the detector system, and the reconstruction kernel (sharper kernels give noisier images).  Noise in a CT scan image can be decreased by increasing the mAs by increasing the tube current or changing filters during reconstruction.

Source of noise

The main source of noise in the image is the patient's body (RF emission due to thermal motion).The whole measurement chain of the MR scanner (coils, electronics...) also contributes to the noise.

This noise corrupts the signal coming from the transverse magnetization variations of the intentionally excited spins (on the selected slice plane).

Reducing MRI noise

While we can never eliminate noise from imaging, the following factors can be modified to reduce it when performing MRI: 

  • use the correct coil and ensure that it is well tuned
  • use a coarse matrix
  • use a large FOV
  • select thick slices
  • use narrow bandwidth
  • use as many NEX as possible
Noise measurement

Noise in an MRI image can be quantified from the standard deviation of a homogeneous area such as the background area or from multiple acquisitions (NEX>2) 1-3

See also

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Article information

rID: 12937
Section: Physics
Synonyms or Alternate Spellings:
  • MRI noise reduction techniques

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