What is one way to reduce SAR during an MRI scan?

Using quadrature coils for transmission is an effective way to reduce Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) during an MRI scan. Quadrature coils, which are designed to operate in a way that efficiently utilizes both component fields of the radiofrequency (RF) signal, allow for a more even distribution of RF energy. This enhances the receiving capabilities of the coil and necessitates less power overall to achieve the desired signal strength. As a result, less energy is absorbed by the body, thus reducing the SAR, which is crucial for patient safety.

In contrast, increasing the number of slices or switching to spin echo techniques may not necessarily correlate with reduced SAR, as these approaches can either increase the total RF energy involved or do not optimize the transmission characteristics effectively. Increasing sequence time (TR) could potentially lead to less overall energy per pulse; however, it may not have as direct an impact on SAR reduction as the implementation of quadrature coils.