An Easy Guide to MRI Coils Types

This article has been updated 08-07-2024

You may not be aware of the significance of your MRI coils. 

In this blog about MRI coils types, we explain to you exactly how crucial a good MRI coil is for you, your clinic, and most importantly, your patients.

Failure to maintain your coils will compromise patient safety. At the same time, if you wait until your MRI coil is completely worn out to replace it, you may end up having to buy brand new, expensive MRI coils.

We recommend that you seek to either continuously maintain, repair, or completely replace your coils. This ensures that your patients will always experience the most comfortable and safe scans. 

Replacing an MRI coil does not have to cost you a fortune, especially when buying used or refurbished from a trustworthy supplier. 

To learn more about the many MRI coils types and how we can help you ensure high patient safety and MRI longevity, keep reading.

First, let us dive into why coils are so important.

Why Are MRI Coils Important in MRI?

No MRI coils, no images of the body. 

That is the simple answer.

A longer explanation is that MRI coils assist in producing detailed images of organs, tissues, and bones, which are used to diagnose medical conditions and injuries such as tumors, infections, and spinal cord or joint injuries.

CTs, X-rays, and ultrasound machines cannot penetrate the bones, only the outer surfaces of the bone structure. However, with MRI, you can go deeper. It allows you to look at ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues, while also enabling you to see both the exterior and interior of the patients’ bones. 

To get clear images, you need MRI coils types that provide uniformity, accuracy, and a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This is important for the precise detection, evaluation, and assessment of potential issues. Top brand MRI coils provide this.

Therefore, it is crucial that you ensure your coils fit your needs and are of high quality. Luckily, there are many great options.

Now you might wonder:

What Are the Common Types of MRI Coils on the Market?

There are many MRI coils types, but if you divide them into overall categories, it would look something like this: head coils, body & spine coils, and extremity and multipurpose coils.

Let us go over each MRI coils types below.

Head Coils

The head coils are typically used for the brain and cervical spine. These coils are very efficient in detecting neurovascular issues.

The head coils are structured in a way that resembles bird cages – hence why they are sometimes referred to as birdcage coils – which allows the patient to see out while being scanned.

From our stock, we offer head coils such as:

Siemens Head Coil - LBN Medical

Body and Spine Coils

Body coils are larger coils that cover more surface area on the patient’s body.

These can be used for everything from spine, abdominal, and chest scans to whole body scans. The body coils are usually fastened to the body with velcro. 

With us, you can get body coils such as:

Siemens Body Coil - LBN Medical

Extremity and Multipurpose Coils

As the name suggests, the extremity coils are used for peripheral parts of the body. For instance, you use extremity coils for feet, ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

In our current stock, we have these – and more – extremity coils available:

Canon Wrist Coil - LBN Medical

If you have already found the MRI coils types that fits your needs, feel free to make a request below. We will get back to you as fast as possible.

Request a quote


Now you know which brands provide MRI coils, and we have gone over the various MRI coils types.

But how do you make sure you choose the right MRI coil?
We explain this below.

Choose Your MRI Coils Types Carefully

When choosing your coil, of course, you are limited to what type of MRI system you have, as the MRI coils need to be compatible with the machine. However, you also need to consider what types of exams you will be performing.

Depending on the type of scan you are performing, you need to make sure you have a well-fitting MRI coil. Whether you need a knee coil, head coil, shoulder coil, or a full body coil, the fit is crucial.

To get optimal quality images when scanning, you need to ensure that the MRI coil provides a good, strong Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

If there is too much space between the coil and the part of the anatomy you are scanning, the SNR will be lower. Low SNR results in lower resolution, making it harder to do precise diagnostics. 

So to get the most accurate images, remember to always choose the correct MRI coil for the intended scan. This way, you ensure the best quality of your images and get more precise diagnostics.

Hot Tip:

Maybe it is more of a ‘luke-warm’ tip in reality.

If you are in an emergency situation where you need to do a scan of a body part for which you do not have the correct MRI coil, you could use a general-purpose or multipurpose flex coil instead. 

However, you need to ensure that the MRI coil is securely fastened around the body part to be able to get a scan of the area.

Keep in mind that if you do this, the image quality will not be as high as when using the correct MRI coil. This is due to the mismatch between the anatomy and the fit of the coil, which, as mentioned, decreases SNR.

MRI Coils from LBN Medical

Compatibility between MRI Coils Types and MRI Machines

As we mentioned above, if you are seeking to replace your current MRI coils, you need to first be aware of the exact system model you have, as this limits your choices. 

This is because MRI coils are brand and model specific.

Making sure that you get your hands on MRI coils types that are compatible with your MRI is crucial, as you cannot use an MRI coil that is not made for your specific system. 

For example, a GE MRI coil will not work with a Siemens machine. 

At the same time, just because a coil is from the same brand as a specific system does not mean it will necessarily work with different models within that brand.

To explain, say you have a Siemens Magnetom Avanto. This system uses certain MRI coils, and if this system is then upgraded to become an Avanto FIT, you cannot use the coils from the original Avanto anymore. You would have to get ones that fit the upgraded system.

Otherwise they simply will not be compatible.

Does this mean that you will have to get a brand new MRI if your old MRI coils break and cannot be fixed?

Not at all.

At LBN, you have the option of getting a replacement coil for your old system. We have used MRI coils from all the top brands at a fraction of the price. This makes for an affordable solution.

You might be used to providing sellers with names like ‘head coil’, ‘body coil’, and ‘knee coil’, which is fine. However, it is helpful if you can find the reference/part number, as this makes it simpler to find the correct MRI coils types. 

We know this can be tricky, so our colleagues are always ready to guide you. Just reach out to our team, and together you will find the right solution.

We will not provide MRI coil recommendations here as it is too specific for each of you. 

However, we do have various high-quality MRI coils types in stock at the moment. We are confident we can help you find the right one for your MRI system and your clinical needs.

A few examples of coils in our stock are:

Of course, our selection is much larger. You can browse our current inventory and request to buy MRI coils directly on our website. Alternatively, you can reach out to our team at sales@lbnmedical.com, and we will guide you to the right MRI coils types.

Finding the right MRI coil is one thing, but knowing how to optimally take care of your coils is another. There are many ways to do this, all of which ensure you maintain top-quality patient safety and comfort.

Let us go over it.

MRI Coil Care: Increase Patient Safety and Comfort

We know that your number one priority at your clinic or hospital is patient safety. This is why we want to emphasize that taking good care of and replacing your MRI coils, when needed, will help increase this.

Using damaged MRI coils when scanning your patient can expose them to unnecessary risk.

You should always ensure that your MRI coils are intact, waterproof, and that their electrical components are safe.

MRI Coil Area - LBN Medical

Flex coils can easily get warm, causing discoloration, while coils with a hard plastic shell can crack. This would mean that the MRI coils do not work as well.

Entering an examination room and seeing damaged equipment might not inspire confidence and comfort in your patient either.

We would love to help you avoid this scenario by replacing your coils. We can provide you with top-notch coils that are fully tested here at our warehouse in Denmark before we send it to you.

Overall, you get an affordable MRI coil that looks brand new. And if you send your MRI coil to us on exchange, you will experience even bigger savings. 

With exchange, you send us your old MRI coil, and we send you a replacement right away. This way, you will have minimal downtime. 

More on that below.

But what will it cost to get a replacement MRI coil?
Let us look at the numbers.

What Is the MRI Coil Price?

When it comes to used replacement MRI coils, the general rule is that the price depends on size and complexity. 

Large and more advanced MRI coils types, like breast, peripheral, and neurovascular coils, are the most expensive.

The midsize and more classic MRI coils types, like the body and knee coils, are found in the mid-range when it comes to pricing. In turn, the small and simple MRI coils types, like general purpose and small flex coils, are the most affordable.

For example, foot ankle coils have fewer channels than head coils, which is why head coils are more expensive. 

The overall MRI coils price range can be anywhere from a few thousand euros to 100.000 euros. By getting an MRI coil on exchange from LBN, you can save between 30-40% compared to buying a new MRI coil somewhere else.

Why Our MRI Coils Stand Out

When you take care of your MRI coils, you are extending the life of your MRI machine.

If your MRI coils break and you are unable to get a replacement or have them fixed, the next step is buying a new MRI system.

Why not take the necessary steps to avoid this? 

We can help you.

We pride ourselves in our ability to do advanced testing, repair, and refurbishment of used MRI coils. We make sure that the MRI coils that go through our repair area are in a good condition before being shipped to you. 

It can be an annoying process having to replace or wait for your coils to be repaired, which is why we offer our MRI coil exchange service.

With the exchange service, the process is much faster.

All you have to do is ship your old, damaged MRI coil to our warehouse as fast as possible. When we receive it, we will send you the replacement immediately.

MRI coils types - MRI Coil Testing - LBN Medical

And do not worry, we will take care of your old MRI coil, so you do not have to think about it.You will be back to business in no time.

We are confident in our technicians’ skills, which is why we have decided to offer warranty on our refurbished MRI coils.

At LBN, we have a large stock of MRI coils from all the top brands. This means that you will be sure to find a coil that fits your system. Also, you do not have to wait for long – we offer quick delivery of ready-to-use MRI coils directly from our warehouse.


Our repair team is highly skilled and has worked closely with the repair team at ScanMed to expand our expertise within MRI coils. We are grateful for them sharing their knowledge with us, so we can provide you with even better advice.

Get MRI Coils from Top Brands

You can get MRI coils from some of the most well-known brands in the medical imaging industry: GE, Siemens, Philips, and Toshiba/Canon. At LBN, we offer MRI coils types from these and other brands like Hitachi.

GE is known for their innovative and reliable imaging solutions. We have GE MRI coils from these systems:

GE Shoulder Coil - LBN Medical

Siemens is recognized for their cutting-edge technology and durability. The Siemens MRI coils we can offer are for the:

Siemens Knee Coil - LBN Medical

Philips offers you a wide range of coils which are suitable for various diagnostic needs. Our Philips MRI coils are from the:

Philips Foot Ankle Coil - LBN Medical

Canon/Toshiba MRI coils are all distinguished by their innovative designs meant to support high-quality imaging, patient comfort, and efficient workflows. The Canon/Toshiba MRI coils you can get from us are:

Canon Knee Coil - LBN Medical

Of course, these are just the systems we currently have parts for. However, this changes all the time, so we are sure that you can find what you need.

Get Your Replacement MRI Coil Right Here

If you are in need of an MRI coil upgrade and are ready to make a request, simply reach out to our team at sales@lbnmedical.com. 

Our colleagues will be ready to take care of you and your MRI coil needs, No matter what types of MRI coils you are looking for.

If you would like to just get some more information before you decide, feel free to ask us any questions. We are here to help.

MRI Coils Types – Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are MRI coils important in MRI?

    Without an MRI coil, you cannot produce images when scanning your patients. They are the reason we can get a closer look at organs, tissues, and bones, which allows us to diagnose medical conditions such as tumors, infections, and spinal cord injuries.

    Also, the MRI coil enhances SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) when scanning, which results in clearer images and more precise diagnostics.

  • How do you make sure you choose the right MRI coil?

  • Do I have to get a brand new MRI if my old MRI coils break and cannot be fixed?

  • What is the MRI coil price?

Are you into the more technical MRI coils types specifications?

That is great!

Now that we have gone over the major points about MRI coils types, we can take a short deep-dive into the technical aspects of MRI coils.

In the below you can read about Radio Frequency (RF) coils, Volume coils, and Surface coils.

There is a wide range of MRI coils types available on the market.

They serve different purposes and some of them even have multiple ones.

Therefore, it can be difficult to get an overview.

Radiofrequency (RF) coils have undergone great development over the past few years, from the single loop to a quadrature, and eventually to the phased array coil.

Technology has developed, and the advancement of coils continues.

Without getting too much into that, we would like to give you a simple, but informative introduction to the world of this magnetized copper.

So, what exactly is an MRI coil?

A coil, by definition, is anything wound in a joined sequence of concentric rings. In other words, it is a looped length of wire.

It becomes actively electromagnetic whenever you run an electrical field through it.

mri coils principle

The technical design and engineering of each coil differ, and the differences often relate to their functionality.

But even coils with the same functionalities can be different depending on the manufacturer of the coil.

A coil is responsible directly and indirectly for the image created through the resonance of the magnetic field.

The MRI and the coil create images by working together just like in any digital camera.

The MRI external field acts as the light, going through a coupled-charged sensor and the coil acts as the recipient sensor that translates the images into digital pictures.

In the text below, you can read a very simplified version of what happens between the coil and electromagnetic field:

To understand the role of MRI coils in creating an image, there are two concepts of movements we need to explain:

What Are the Common Types of MRI Coils on the Market?

Any MRI scanner is made of several coils. Thus there are many MRI coils types out there.

First, there are magnet windings (superconductive coils), then a shim coil for homogeneity that provides equal magnetic strength throughout the system, and lastly, the main coil, which is the gradient coil.

All these coils are shielded together.

In that shield, there is a cryogen of liquid helium that maintains a low temperature that secures superconductivity.

Underneath that shield is another RF shielding with a radiofrequency coil (body coil).

The patient gets inserted from the outside of the MRI Scanner and connected to the patient coil. As you can see, there coils serve different purposes.

Moreover, you can find coils that can be used for different parts of the body.

The MRI coils types that we will describe are the Radiofrequency coils, which are used to acquire images.

Radiofrequency (RF) Coils

RF coils are the MRI coils types that are responsible for transmitting/receiving the signal. These coils are converting the signal into data that get transferred into a computer and processed to form the final image.

The quality of the MRI images depends on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the acquired signal from the patient.

The received signal is electronically strengthened, to maximize the reduction of the background noise, which increases the quality of the image.

Hence, the higher the SNR, the better. A lower signal-to-noise ratio generally results in a grainy appearance of the images.

RF coils can be divided into three general categories:

  • Transmit Only Coil
  • Receive Only Coil
  • Transmit Receive Coil

Nevertheless, this is not the only distinction of RF coils. It is also possible to divide them into Volume and Surface coils.

Let’s talk about these MRI coils types in more detail.

Volume Coils

These coils have been designed to provide a homogeneous RF excitation across a large volume, hence, they are suitable for full-body imaging.

However, they can be smaller and, in that case, used for head and extremities.

The magnetic field homogeneity of volume coils is better than the homogeneity of surface coils.

It is possible to use the same volume coil to transmit and receive simultaneously. Nevertheless, you can also use two separate coils.

The larger volume coil will be the body coil, typically a transmit and receive coil. If you are using two separate coils, the body coil acts as the transmitter while the smaller coil acts as the receiver.

In general, volume coils are great for transmitting, but less ideal when used for small regions of interest.

Among the common volume MRI coils types belong:

  • Circularly Polarized Coil (photo on the left)
  • Quadrature coil
  • Bird Cage Coil
  • Crossed Coil
  • Helmholtz Pair Coil
  • Paired Saddle Coil
  • Single Turn Solenoid

Types of Volume Coils

  • Circularly Polarized Coil

    Circularly polarized coils have been designed to excite or detect electromagnetic fields by means of two orthogonal transmit and/or receive channels.

    When it is a receiver coil, it has a better SNR than a linearly polarized coil  (which belongs to the surface coils).

  • Quadrature Coil

  • Birdcage Coils

  • Crossed Coil

  • Helmholtz Pair Coils

  • Paired Saddle Coil

  • Single Turn Solenoid Coil

Surface Coils

Surface coils are the MRI coils types with the simplest coil design.

Basically, it is a loop of wire, either circular or rectangular, that is placed over the region of interest (around the surface of a patient) for increased magnetic sensitivity.

You can find the loop in various shapes. It can be also slightly bent to conform to the imaged body part.

The depth of the image of a surface coil is generally limited to about one radius.

As a type of RF coil, they belong to the group of receive-only coils. The surface coils have a great SNR for tissues placed near the coil. Therefore, the further the tissue is from the coil, the less sensitive it is.

Furthermore, the possibilities of usage are wide.

You can use the surface coils for spines, shoulders, the joint of the jaw (temporomandibular joint), and imaging of other smaller body parts.

The common surface MRI coils types are:

  • Array Coil (photo on the left)
  • Body Wrap-Around Coil
  • Linearly Polarized Coil
  • Saddle Coil

Types of Surface Coils

  • Array Coils

    These coils merge the benefits of smaller coils (high SNR) with the benefits of larger coils (large measurement field). Moreover, they consist of separate multiple smaller coils that you can use individually or combined.

    On the market, you can find several types of array coils such as a coupled array, isolated array, and phased array coils.

  • Body Wrap Around Coils (BWA)

  • Linearly polarized coils (LP)

  • Saddle Coil

Examples of MRI Coils

MRI Coils for Sale
Circularly Polarized MRI coils

Circularly Polarized Coil

Birdcage MRI Coils

Birdcage Coil

MRI coils - array

Array Coil

Sum Up

All in all, we hope that we have provided you with a good overview of all the various MRI coils types and that you understand the purpose of the different coils.

Remember that the construction and design of these MRI coils types are different, and each coil is ideal for different MRI purposes.

If you are still in doubt, get in touch with us at +45 96 886 500 or email us at sales@lbnmedical.com

We will be happy to help you understand the purpose and benefits of each of the MRI coils types. And provide you with any MRI coil you may need. We have over 4.500 MRI coils in stock.

Would you like to learn about MRI Scanners?

We have more blog posts for you. For instance, you can find the features and benefits of MRI systems or an MRI price overview.

You can also learn more about us and the products we offer on our Youtube channel.

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