A Reconstruction-Agnostic Fan Phantom for Task-Relevant PET Spatial Resolution Assessment

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a fan-pattern paper phantom enabling continuous and reconstruction-agnostic evaluation of PET spatial resolution under clinical and AI-based reconstruction conditions.

Full Description

This PET spatial resolution phantom uses a laser-cut fan pattern on radioactive paper sealed between plastic sheets, allowing modulation transfer function (MTF)-based continuous characterization of spatial resolution. Compatible with diverse nuclear medicine imaging systems and reconstruction methods—including iterative and AI-enhanced algorithms—it facilitates rapid, robust, and reproducible assessment of effective spatial resolution. The phantom provides a practical, disposable tool to optimize PET system performance and better inform radiologists of the smallest detectable features in clinical practice.

Applications

• Clinical PET/CT centers optimizing reconstruction protocols. 
• Radiology departments enhancing diagnostic confidence in nuclear medicine. 
• Research institutions developing new PET reconstruction algorithms. 
• Manufacturers of nuclear imaging equipment for system validation. 
• Preclinical small animal PET imaging studies requiring precise spatial resolution evaluation. 
• Quality control and regulatory compliance for imaging systems.

Features/Benefits

• Supports both conventional and AI-based reconstruction methods (reconstruction-agnostic). 
• Cuts cost and waste with a low-cost, disposable laser-cut radioactive paper design. 
• Enables continuous spatial-resolution measurement instead of discrete, rod-based sizing. 
• Delivers rapid spatial-resolution evaluation in under 5 minutes for routine use. 
• Improves measurement confidence by increasing reproducibility/repeatability and reducing uncertainty. 
• Works across a wide range of nuclear medicine imaging systems. 
• Optimizes PET protocols by improving characterization of effective imaging performance. 
• Reveals the effective spatial resolution achieved by modern iterative and AI-based PET reconstructions (where prior methods provide limited insight). 
• Eliminates dependence on discrete rod-size phantoms by enabling continuous resolution assessment. 
• Enables practical, reliable evaluation of the smallest clinically detectable features. 
• Removes barriers to routine and research use by making spatial-resolution measurement fast and robust.

Patent Status

Patent Pending