MeetsguidelinesinAAPMReport#1“PerformanceEvaluationandQualityAssuranceofCTScanners”

The CIRS Model 610 AAPM CT Performance Phantom offers the user a single test object that measures ten distinct CT performance parameters. The phantom design is based on the guidelines presented in Report #1 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Force on CT Scanner Phantoms.  The goals of report #1 were to “（1） define ‘performance’ of a CT scanner and （2） describe methods of performance testing through utilization of particular phantoms.”

A CT number linearity insert, high contrast resolution insert and slice width insert are housed in an 8.5 “ diameter PMMA water tank with quick disconnect valves for ease of filling and draining between use.  Also included is a 0.25” bone equivalent ring that can be fit over the inserts to evaluate the effects of beam hardening.

A contrast test object is adhered to the bottom of the tank that includes two rows of cavities from 1 to 0.125” diameter.  The cavities can be filled with various solutions for contrast evaluation.   An aluminum alignment insert is incorporated in the lid of the tank and can be interchanged with a polystyrene TLD insert for dose measurements. A user’s manual, holding cradle, filling tubes and other accessories are included.

Measurement Capability:

• Noise

• Size Independence

• Sensitivity / Detectability

• Radiation Dose

• Mechanical Alignment

• Spatial Uniformity

• Beam Hardening

• HU Linearity

• Slice Thickness

• Spatial Resolution and line spread function