Abstract: A method of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for acquiring separate data contributions in images of subjects derived from at least a first and a second spectral components, the method comprising: applying RF pulses; receiving RF signals with a phased array coil arrangement having a plurality of segments; acquiring two initial complex images, the first of the two initial images being a complex image of each of the spectral components in phase; the second of the two initial images being a complex image of each of the spectral components out of phase, the first of said two initial complex images ostensibly being a plus image, and the second of said two complex images ostensibly being a minus image initially; and matching the ostensible plus and minus images so that the first complex images and the second complex images are grouped together for further processing. Preferably, a two-point Dixon method is used to generate the components.