Phantoms Lab

• Model Number500

The Catphan® 500 provides complete characterization of maximum imaging performance for axial and spiral CT scanners. The Catphan® 500 provides a comprehensive set of measurements to measure the maximum performance of your CT scanner’s sensitometry, uniformity, geometric and low-contrast sensitivity. There are variations of the Catphan 500 phantom that are provided through Varian (CTP 504) and Elekta (CTP 503) . Please see Other Catphan Models for details. TEST-SUMMARY CTP401 - sensitometry (linearity) - scan slice geometry (slice width and slice sensitivity profile) - pixel (matrix) size - circular symmetry - phantom position verification - patient alignment system check - scan incrementation CTP528 - high resolution measurement - up to 21 line pairs per cm CTP515 - low contrast sensitivity - comparative subslice and supra-slice low contrast sensitivity CTP486 - spatial uniformity - noise (precision) of CT systems To assist Catphan customers, The Phantom Laboratory has worked with Image Owl, Inc. to develop Catphan® QA, a web-based service for fully automated analysis of Catphan Phantom images. All currently manufactured Catphan models are supported. MODULES The Catphan® 500 consists of 4 modules enclosed in a 20cm housing. CTP401 Slice Geometry and Sensitometry Module: Opposed 23 degree wire ramps are used to measure scan slice geometry, verify phantom position and check the patient alignment system and the scanner table incrementation. The shallow 23 degree angle allows for more precise measurement of slice thickness than the commonly used 45 degree ramps and the thin wires allow for accurate measurement of thin 1 and 2mm slices without streaking artifacts. Gantry angle (up to 10 degrees) can be determined by the ratio of the ramp lengths. The module includes 4 sensitometry targets (Teflon, Acrylic, LDPE and Air) to measure CT number linearity. The module also contains five acrylic spheres to evaluate the scanner’s imaging of subslice spherical volumes. The diameters of the acrylic spheres are 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm. Pixel size can be determined through measuring the number of pixels between the four holes (one with a teflon pin) located 50mm apart. CTP528 High Resolution Module: This section has a 1 through 21 line pair per centimeter high resolution test gauge and two impulse sources (beads) which are cast into a uniform material. By minimizing the amount of high contrast material and employing a radial design, the CTP528 module eliminates streaking artifacts. The spherical MTF beads can be used to obtain an accurate MTF curve characterization without tedious and time-consuming positioning inherent with MTF wires. The point source beads also eliminate the over-ranging problems and streaking artifacts that occur with MTF wires, because the bead density is volume averaged with the surrounding material. CTP515 Low Contrast Module: The CTP515 consists of a series of cylindrical rods of various diameters and three contrast levels to measure low contrast performance. The 40mm-long rods provide consistent contrast values at all z-axis positions, thereby avoiding any volume-averaging errors as you scan through the section. The unique subslice test objects enable evaluation of the effectiveness of different scan protocols (pitch, slice width and reconstruction algorithms) in resolving subslice low contrast objects. For selection of helical and multi-slice image protocols, unique subslice low contrast targets (truncated cylinders) have been included in this module. Comparing the images obtained by scanning the subslice targets with different imaging settings (slice width, pitch and reconstruction algorithms) provides valuable information to assist with the selection of optimal protocols for identifying small low contrast objects such as tumors. All of the various samples and the background material have equivalent effective atomic numbers; only the density is varied to produce changes in the effective attenuation coefficients. Subslice targets have a nominal 1.0% contrast and z-axis lengths of 3, 5, and 7mm. For each of these lengths, there are targets with diameters of 3, 5, 7 and 9mm. CTP486 Uniformity Module: The image uniformity module is cast from a uniform material with a CT number designed to be within 2% (20H) of water’s density under standard scanning protocols. The typically recorded CT numbers range from 5H to 18H. This module is used for measurements of spatial uniformity, mean CT number and noise value. Use of a solid material eliminates leaking or risk of damage from exposure to freezing temperatures. The CTP486 solid-image uniformity module provides consistent results, is much more convenient to use than modules using water-filled tanks, and eliminates variations due to different water sources. This solid material’s high radial and axial uniformity makes it an ideal substitute for water. It has been thoroughly tested over a wide variety of variables in the x, y and z planes and has proven stable in all applications. For detailed phantom information please refer to the Catphan 500 manual.

• Slice ThicknessWe provide slice thickness ramps to provide objective slice thickness measurements on all three orthogonal axes. The automated routine provides higher quality slice thickness measurements versus manual measurements on actual clinical sequences.

MRI manufacturers have made great strides in reducing MR system distortion. Maintaining acceptable levels of distortion relies on properly controlling a long chain of conditions. It is critical to have a robust system of quality control for key imaging performance characteristics in order to detect significant deviations before they affect clinical operations. PHANTOM DESIGN Magphan® RT meets the specific QA needs for MR imagers used for MR guided surgery and radiotherapy planning and guidance where measurement of large fields of view are required for torso sizes encountered in clinical practice. Magphan® RT 820 The Magphan® RT 820 has a two-piece configuration (top and bottom) that measures geometric distortion and uniformity over 35 x 27 x 21cm. The phantom may be upgraded to the Magphan® RT 1230 model with the purchase of a center module (TMR008) to provide an extended FOV. Magphan® RT 1230 The Magphan® RT 1230 can be configured for two different fields of view. The full three-piece configuration measures distortion and uniformity over 35 x 39 x 21 cm. By removing the central module, a smaller 35 x 39 x 21 cm FOV can be achieved. The Magphan® RT’s modular design, when filled with solution, keeps all individual modules under 12 kg, enabling the phantom to be handled by a single person without special equipment. This design not only allows for easy handling of the phantom but also facilitates future system expansion with additional measurement modules. PHANTOM ANALYSIS The system measures the following imaging parameters: Geometric Distortion The locations of several hundred 1cm sphere fiducials are measured across the volume of the phantom. The measured locations are compared to known locations to generate a 3D distortion map. The phantom modules are designed to fit together precisely and the analysis accounts for any residual positional offsets between components. Beyond the distortion map the system tracks several key indicators such as maximum and mean high 10% distortion along the cardinal axes. Analysis of optimized gradient rescaling factors for different objectives is included Uniformity Uniformity can be a useful indicator for common failure mechanisms in subsystems like the RF coil element. The uniformity is measured at several hundred uniform spherical sub volumes throughout the phantom. The mean signal, normalized standard deviation and spread are calculated. Slice Thickness We provide slice thickness ramps to provide objective slice thickness measurements on all three orthogonal axes. The automated routine provides higher quality slice thickness measurements versus manual measurements on actual clinical sequences. Resolution The Magphan® RT system measures the point spread function (PSF) and the modulation transfer function from circular features in the phantom all three measurement planes. Signal-to-Noise Ratio Signal-to-noise ratio is measured at several places throughout the phantom. Longitudinal tracking of SNR can give early warning of component degradation or failure. Laser Alignment The phantom contains markers for alignment with positioning lasers. The analysis provides data on translation and rotation of the phantom in all three cardinal axes. ANALYSIS SERVICE The included Magphan® RT analysis service is hosted by Image Owl Total QA® and is included in the purchase price for 2 years. The service provides the following benefits: Completely Automated: Simply upload the complete DICOM scan series of the phantom. The service automatically identifies the features, performs the analysis and prepares the report. Analysis results are saved in the database for longitudinal studies, process control and inter-machine comparisons. No Installation or Manual Updates: The service is accessible from any web enabled device and requires no local installation.. Updates to the service are automatic and require no user actions. API Available: The Total QA® system includes an API that allows users to extend the system with custom analyses or interfaces. Reporting, Trending and Data Analysis Included: The Total QA system provides an informative report, tracks all parameters over time and provides comparative analysis tools between machines. Upgradeable to full Total QA system: The Magphan® RT analysis can be seamlessly integrated into a full Total QA system for managing all of a facility’s RT QA data.

• RSVP Phantom PelvisA life size pelvic form with with a repositionable tumor vessel that can be adapted to accommodate ionization chambers, TLDs, film or dosimetric gels. Ideal for pre-treatment verification for both conventional and IMRT plans.

RSVP PHANTOM™ The RSVP Phantom™ head phantoms were developed to provide stereotactic localization and dose verification for radiosurgery machines.The phantoms may be used for a variety of radiation therapy applications including periodic quality assurance evaluations and acceptance testing and end-to-end testing in conformance to AAPM TG-54. The phantoms may also be used to perform re-evaluations after equipment or software upgrades. Charles W. Coffey, II, Ph.D., established the design criteria that The Phantom Laboratory used in constructing the RSVP Phantom™ Head and Pelvis. In 2013 The Phantom Laboratory worked with Michael S. Gossman, M.S., DABR, FAAPM, to develop the RSVP Phantom™ Head II with the bite feature, providing for both stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy quality assurance with bite tray systems. AVAILABLE MODELS RSVP Phantom™ Head: A water filled head with a repositionable tumor vessel that can be adapted to accommodate ionization chambers, TLDs, film or dosimetric gels. Ideal for testing stereotactic treatment using halos, and surface monitoring positioning systems. RSVP Phantom™ Head II with Bite Feature: This model is similar to the RSVP Phantom™ Head phantom with the addition of a bite feature for use with immobilization bite tray systems. RSVP Phantom™ Pelvis : A life size pelvic form with with a repositionable tumor vessel that can be adapted to accommodate ionization chambers, TLDs, film or dosimetric gels. Ideal for pre-treatment verification for both conventional and IMRT plans. For detailed information please refer to the RSVP Phantom™ Head Manual, the RSVP Phantom™ Head II (Bite Feature) manual or the RSVP Phantom™ Pelvis manual. DESIGN The phantoms’ design provides full simulation of the localization and irradiation sequences. The anatomically accurate forms are filled with water to simulate the radiation absorption and scatter of human soft tissue. The heavy-duty outer shell of the RSVP Phantom™ is designed to accommodate the anchoring screws needed for proper positioning head frames. An internal container called a tumor vessel can be positioned anywhere within the head form by manipulating an external position rod. This vessel may be filled with either a radiation-sensitive gel for alignment evaluations or with radiation dosimeters for quantitative dose measurements.The RSVP Phantom™ Head II features a movable lower jaw and upper teeth provide for the use of bite tray systems. For conventional and IMRT dose distribution and verification the RSVP Phantom™ Pelvis is an excellent tool for final quality verification of therapy dose delivery and for comparing the delivered dose profiles for different treatment plans. STEREOTACTIC LOCALIZATION The phantom provides an accurate evaluation of stereotactic localization. To perform an evaluation dose sensitive gels, non light sensitive film, TLDs, or small ion chambers are used. The tumor vessel or chamber is positioned within the phantom’s head form and the radiosurgery head frame is attached to the phantom. Standard protocols are followed to locate the x, y and z coordinates of the patient’s tumor through CT or MR imaging. The phantom is then mounted in the radiosurgery system and irradiated. Once the irradiation has been completed the tumor vessel is removed from the phantom head form and dose or dose profile is evaluated. PHANTOM MATERIALS The shell of a RSVP Phantom™ is formed from ¼” cellulose acetate butyrate sheet, a transparent material chosen for its strength and low water absorption. The shell is mounted on a polycarbonate end plate. The tumor port and cover plate assembly are attached with nylon screws to the end plate. The cover plate is removable for internal access. Before phantoms are shipped to customers all of their seams are tested to ensure a water-tight seal. The Phantom Laboratory provides a wooden storage case for each RSVP Phantom™. For the The RSVP Phantom™ Head II , the upper teeth are cast from a bone-simulating urethane and the lower jaw is cast from a clear urethane. TUMOR ASSEMBLY The tumor vessels are molded out of Barex®, an oxygen impermeable material that is ideal for use with radiation-sensitive gels. Three tumor vessels are included with the RSVP Phantom™ Head, with one vessel being used in the phantom at a time. The head phantom vessels has an inside length of 4cm and inside diameter of 2cm, and a radius of 1cm at each end. The pelvis tumor vessel has an inside diameter of 10cm and an inside length of 12cm. The two ends of the tumor vessel are threaded together at the center to allow easy access into the vessel. The user may position the tumor vessel anywhere within the head form by manipulating the phantom’s external position rod. After the desired position is reached, the cylinder is locked into place by hand-tightening a lock nut on the rotation ball and a lock bolt on the position rod. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT The optional TLP211 plug holder, which is mounted into the tumor vessel, is designed to hold 5mm plugs for TLDs. The optional TLP212 and TLP213 film holders, which are mounted into the tumor vessel, hold dosimetry film securely in place. Specially ordered commercially available chambers and scintillation detectors may also be used in the RSVP Phantom. Contact The Phantom Laboratory for current information on these devices.

• XA241R and XA241L FeetThe Feet Phantoms contain the lower third of the tibia and fibula along with all the bones of the feet. The left foot is relaxed and the right foot is in plantar flexion.

The Phantom Laboratory’s line of sectional phantoms are constructed with a natural human skeleton cast inside our proprietary RANDO® material that has the same effective atomic number as the body's soft tissue. The skeleton material is skilfully reconstructed and adjusted by our technicians to overcome any natural asymmetry and for fit within the mold. As a result, the phantom material is radiologically equivalent to soft tissue. The material is virtually indestructible, capable of withstanding substantial impact and continuous handling without damage. The joints in each Sectional Phantom also have a fixed degree of natural flexion. AVAILABLE MODELS XA235R and XA235L Elbows: The Elbow Phantoms contain the lower third of the humerus and upper third of the radius and ulna. The right elbow has a 90-degree flexion and the left elbow is extended. XA231R and XA231P Hands: The Hand Phantoms contain the lower third of the radius and ulna along with the carpal and finger bones. The hands can be pronated or relaxed. XA245R and XA245L Knees: The Knee Phantoms contain the lower third of the femur and the upper third of the fibula and tibia bones. The right knee is in 90° flexion and the left is extended. XA241R and XA241L Feet: The Feet Phantoms contain the lower third of the tibia and fibula along with all the bones of the feet. The left foot is relaxed and the right foot is in plantar flexion. Sectional Hand Phantom Datasheet Sectional Elbow Phantom Datasheet Sectional Foot Phantom Datasheet

• Pixel size verificationPixel size can be verified from known geometric feature positions.

TOMOPHAN® IMAGE QUALITY PHANTOM If you have not worked extensively with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging, you may not be fully aware how different it is from conventional mammography and CT. The Tomophan® phantom has been designed to provide a complete characterization of this unique imaging system through objective measurements of key performance criteria. The basic phantom is made from 3 key components: the 28mm test object, the 14mm spacer and the chest wall. For routine testing, the test object and spacer are stacked providing a total thickness of 42mm with the primary test plane in the center. By changing the position of the 14mm uniform spacer andor flipping the test object, the primary test plane will be moved higher or lower in the imaging field. To simulate a smaller breast the 28mm test object can be used alone. An optional 28mm spacer can be used with the test object to simulate a 56mm breast. Phantom tests include: Slice width: Using two sets of angled bead ramps the slice thickness and slice sensitivity profile (SSP) can be evaluated. Slice increment: The bead ramps are also used to provide a slice incrementation measurement. Z-axis scaling: The phantom contains 1 mm aluminum z-axis beads to evaluate image scaling in the z-axis. Z-axis uniformity: The phantom is cast from a uniform material and uniformity can be assessed in designated areas away from other test objects. In-slice signal drop: The in-slice signal drop can be assessed from the bead ramp patterns. CNR, SNR and NPS: The Tomophan™ phantom has a .2mm thick, 1cm square aluminum foil insert. This aluminum square can be used in the calculation of the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR). High resolution MTF in both x and y directions: The edge profile of the aluminum square can be used to calculate the line spread function and the corresponding MTF in both x and y directions. Regional in-plane uniformity: The phantom is cast from a uniform material. The design sets aside areas to be used in uniformity measurements. The material’s pixel value is designed to be uniform over these local regions. These areas are used for measurements of spatial uniformity, mean pixel number and noise standard deviation values. Lost chest tissue measurement: Using four stair-stepped chest wall missing tissue gauges a measurement of missing chest wall can be made in two locations along the wall at two different slice heights. The four gauges have 12 steps in 0.5mm increments rising into the phantom from the chest wall. Pixel size verification: Pixel size can be verified from known geometric feature positions. Low contrast: The phantom has 8 acrylic spheres located in a central circular pattern. The spheres are used to evaluate the scanner’s low contrast capability. Phantom Alignment: The phantom includes fiducial objects to confirm the orientation of the phantom. For more details please see the Tomophan® manual. The Phantom Laboratory has partnered with Image Owl, Inc. to provide a complete and convenient automated online service called Tomophan® QA to accurately analyze Tomophan® image sets.