What should never be used in combination with a transmit/receive coil?

The body coil should never be used in combination with a transmit/receive coil because it typically serves as a transmit coil rather than a receive coil when operating in an MRI system. In MRI technology, transmit/receive coils are specifically designed for both transmitting the RF pulse and receiving the signals. Utilizing a body coil in conjunction with another transmit/receive coil could result in interference and compromise image quality, as the design and function of the body coil are optimized for broader coverage rather than the focused signal reception needed from a dedicated receive coil.

In practice, MRI systems often utilize various coil configurations to enhance signal quality and target specific anatomical areas. For instance, quadrature coils, surface coils, or head coils are designed to effectively receive signals from specific regions and can work in tandem with transmit coils, optimizing the imaging process. The primary concern with the body coil arises from its role in the system, indicating that it can disrupt the operating principles intended in configurations involving other, more specialized coils.