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

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.

Temporal variations as well as variations in acquisition counts and the shapes of ⁵⁷Co standard and ^99mTc point sources and a ^99mTc 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.

The temporal variation in CCF using the ⁵⁷Co source was relatively stable within the range of 0.7% to 2.3%, whereas the ^99mTc source ranged from 2.7% to 7.3%. In terms of source shape, the ⁵⁷Co 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 ⁵⁷Co standard point source than the ^99mTc disk source.

Different calibration schemes influenced the reliability of quantitative values. The ⁵⁷Co 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 ^99mTc source decreased depending on the preparative method. The method of calibration for quantitative SPECT should be immediately standardized to eliminate uncertainty.