Preclinical SPECT and PET: Joint EANM and ESMI procedure guideline for implementing an efficient quality control...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Preclinical Imaging
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Reliability, reproducibility, and repeatability are crucial for preclinical SPECT and PET imaging in longitudinal animal studies.
• High variability in imaging endpoints necessitates larger animal groups for statistically significant results.
• Accurate and precise quantification in preclinical imaging is essential for translational research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide recommendations for an effective and efficient quality control (QC) program for preclinical SPECT and PET systems.
• To strengthen the translational power of preclinical imaging results.
• To update and adapt existing guidelines to new technological developments in preclinical imaging.

Main Methods:

• Review and update of existing quality control guidelines for nuclear medicine instrumentation.
• Adaptation of procedures for small animal PET systems.
• Focus on maintaining reliability, reproducibility, and repeatability in preclinical imaging procedures.

Main Results:

• Establishment of a comprehensive QC program for preclinical SPECT and PET.
• Improved accuracy and precision in SPECT and PET quantification.
• Enhanced consistency in longitudinal preclinical imaging experiments.

Conclusions:

• Effective QC programs are vital for robust preclinical SPECT and PET imaging.
• Adherence to updated guidelines ensures the reliability of translational imaging data.
• This guideline supports advancements in preclinical imaging technology and application.