Validation of Cross-calibration Schemes for Quantitative Bone SPECT/CT Using Different Sources under Various Geometric Conditions.

PURPOSE: Several cross-calibration schemes have been proposed to produce quantitative values in bone SPECT imaging. Differences in the radionuclide sources and geometric conditions can decrease the accuracy of cross-calibration factor (CCF). The present study aimed to validate the effects of calibration schemes using different sources under various geometric conditions.

METHODS: Temporal variations as well as variations in acquisition counts and the shapes of (57)Co standard and (99m)Tc point sources and a (99m)Tc disk source were determined. The effects of the geometric conditions of the source-to-camera distance (SCD) and lateral distance on the CCF were investigated by moving the camera or source away from the origin. The system planar sensitivity of NEMA incorporated into a Symbia Intevo SPECT/CT device (Siemens®) was defined as reference values.

RESULTS: The temporal variation in CCF using the (57)Co source was relatively stable within the range of 0.7% to 2.3%, whereas the (99m)Tc source ranged from 2.7% to 7.3%. In terms of source shape, the (57)Co standard point source was the most stable. Both SCD and lateral distance decreased as a function of distance from the origin. Errors in the geometric condition were higher for the (57)Co standard point source than the (99m)Tc disk source.

CONCLUSIONS: Different calibration schemes influenced the reliability of quantitative values. The (57)Co standard point source was stable over a long period, and this helped to maintain the quality of quantitative SPECT/CT imaging data. The CCF accuracy of the (99m)Tc source decreased depending on the preparative method. The method of calibration for quantitative SPECT should be immediately standardized to eliminate uncertainty.