MO-AB-206-01: PET Physics.

This education session will cover the physics and operation principles of gamma cameras and PET scanners. The first talk will focus on PET imaging. An overview of the principles of PET imaging will be provided, including positron decay physics, and the transition from 2D to 3D imaging. More recent advances in hardware and software will be discussed, such as time-of-flight imaging, and improvements in reconstruction algorithms that provide for options such as depth-of-interaction corrections. Quantitative applications of PET will be discussed, as well as the requirements for doing accurate quantitation. Relevant performance tests will also be described.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Be able to describe basic physics principles of PET and operation of PET scanners. 2. Learn about recent advances in PET scanner hardware technology. 3. Be able to describe advances in reconstruction techniques and improvements 4. Be able to list relevant performance tests. The second talk will focus on gamma cameras. The Nuclear Medicine subcommittee has charged a task group (TG177) to develop a report on the current state of physics testing of gamma cameras, SPECT, and SPECT/CT systems. The report makes recommendations for performance tests to be done for routine quality assurance, annual physics testing, and acceptance tests, and identifies those needed satisfy the ACR accreditation program and The Joint Commission imaging standards. The report is also intended to be used as a manual with detailed instructions on how to perform tests under widely varying conditions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the presentation members of the audience will: 1. Be familiar with the tests recommended for routine quality assurance, annual physics testing, and acceptance tests of gamma cameras for planar imaging. 2. Be familiar with the tests recommended for routine quality assurance, annual physics testing, and acceptance tests of SPECT systems. 3. Be familiar with the tests of a SPECT/CT system that include the CT images for SPECT reconstructions. 4. Become knowledgeable of items to be included in annual acceptance testing reports including CT dosimetry and PACS monitor measurements. T. Turkington, GE Healthcare.