What effect does increasing the parallel imaging factor have in MRI?

Increasing the parallel imaging factor in MRI is known to decrease scan time. Parallel imaging techniques allow for the acquisition of images using multiple receiver coils simultaneously. As a result, the data collection process is expedited, enabling quicker imaging sequences without compromising the quality of the resultant images. This is particularly beneficial in clinical settings where reduced scan times can improve patient comfort and throughput in busy imaging departments.

While other options present important factors related to MRI and imaging quality, they do not directly relate to the effect of parallel imaging factors. For instance, although resolving power and tissue contrast can be influenced by various imaging parameters, increasing the parallel imaging factor primarily optimizes the speed of data acquisition rather than resolution or contrast. Similarly, noise levels in the images may be affected by different settings and acquisition methods, but a direct relationship to parallel imaging factors specifically decreasing noise is not established. Thus, the clear and primary effect of increasing the parallel imaging factor is the reduction in scan time.