Phantoms

for X-ray Imaging

Including Codes of Practice
QRM - A PTW Company

A milestone in the history of both companies QRM phantoms are professionally designed and manufac-
In 1922, PTW started being a pioneer in medical radiation tured with highest precision. The components are carefully
measurements. Since then, PTW has always been and selected and adapted to the specific imaging modality. Our
will continue to be at the forefront of advancing patient machinery uses the latest technology to produce and manu-
safety through innovation and cutting-edge measurement facture phantoms with high accuracy.
technology.
In 1994, QRM (Quality Assurance in Radiology and Medicine) Standard as well as custom-made phantoms undergo a
was founded by Professor Willi A. Kalender as a university quality control test according to their use. Therefore, differ-
spin-off of the Institute of Medical Physics in Erlangen, ent types of medical imaging devices (e.g. DXA, CT, C-arm,
Germany, for the development, design, construction, and Micro-CT, MRI, etc.) are used for our test setups.
production of phantoms for quality assurance in X-ray
imaging and associated procedures. Our core competence is the development and production of
Since April 2020 QRM is a subsidiary of PTW Freiburg GmbH. customized phantoms in cooperation with our customers.
We successfully collaborate with manufacturers in medical
Phantoms for your needs and industrial X-ray markets as well as with scientists and
We look back on more than 25 years of experience in design- physicians working on research projects and studies world-
ing and manufacturing phantoms for medical imaging mo- wide. All standard phantoms can be modified according to
dalities. Our first products were designed for lung imaging in your needs. We also offer customized phantoms for: PET,
Computed Tomography (CT) and bone densitometry in DXA SPECT, radiation therapy, and for other modalities.
and CT. Since starting manufacturing phantoms in the early
‘90s, our range of phantoms has increased substantially over Are you interested in a completely new, specially designed
the years. Today, we offer products for different imaging phantom for a specific study, project, or new application?
modalities in clinical routine, research, development, and
science, as well as customized and OEM products. Contact us - we provide phantoms for your needs.

Our engineers design dedicated phantoms for many applica-

tions in the field of medical imaging. Our customers are
physicians, scientists, and manufacturers all over the world.
Our main focus is on developing products for diagnostic
X-ray, CT, and micro-CT imaging. We offer phantoms to
analyze image quality (IQ), calibrate HU-levels as well as for
dosimetry issues.

2
Contents
} Introduction 2

} Customized Solutions 4

} Diagnostic Imaging 5
Image Quality Phantoms 5
Anthropomorphic Phantoms 27
Tissue-Equivalent Materials 39
Dosimetry Phantoms 45
Bone Densitometry Phantoms 49
Micro-CT and Micro-PET/SPEC Phantoms 61

} Radiation Therapy 77

} Codes of Practice 81
Introduction 82
CT Image Quality 83
CT Dose Index (CTDI) 89
Multi-Energy and Photon Counting CT 90
CT Value Calibration in RT Planning Systems 91
Bone Mineral Density 92
Pre-clinical Imaging (Micro-CT) 94

} Product Index 95

3
Customized Solutions

QRM additionally offers customized phantoms for: MRI, PET, Just follow these steps to get your specific phantom:
SPECT, radiation therapy, and other imaging modalities. - Send an inquiry
If you send us a request for a custom-made phantom, we
Are you interested in a completely new, specially designed will provide a proposal of what is technically possible and
phantom for a specific study, project or new application? what would be the best way to realize your ideas. This will
Or do you need a special OEM product? be the basis for the following discussion or you will accept
our first draft.
Contact us - we provide phantoms for your needs. - Mention the imaging modality
Please let us know the modality where the phantom will be
used.
For dedicated imaging modalities we have to use different
components or materials for the phantom.
- Give a brief description
Give us a brief description of the phantom. The more
details we know prior, the better our draft/proposal will be.
- Send a short drawing or line sketch
Provide us a short drawing or a line sketch. This will be the
easiest way to understand what you are looking for. You
can simply use MS® Word® or Powerpoint® to draw your
phantom. Or just send us a scanned manual sketch. We
also acccept CAD-files (e.g. .dxf or .stl).
- Please feel free to contact us by E-mail or give us a call to
discuss the design of your specific phantom.

4
Image Quality Phantoms
} Multi-Energy QA Phantom  6

} Spectral CT Phantom (Set) 7

} Dual Energy CT Phantom, V2 8

} Dual Energy CT Phantom, V5  9

} Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert and Basic 10

} Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert  11

} 2D Low Contrast Phantom 12

} 2D Medium Contrast Phantom 13

} 3D Low Contrast Phantom 14

} Slice Sensitivity Phantom 15

} 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100 16

} 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom 17

} Wire Phantom 18

} Beam Stop Phantom  19

} Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic  20

} Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert  21

} Water Tank Phantom  22

} Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100  23

} High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100  24

} MAM Phantoms  25

5
Multi-Energy QA Phantom

For testing different types of CT modal-

ities with dual-energy, multi-energy or
photon-counting setups

For different types of CT modalities with dual-energy,

}  Holes 10 pcs., 25 mm diameter
multi-energy, or photon-counting setups Material CTwater (water-equivalent)
Test multi-energy spectral CT protocols and post-process-
} 
ing techniques Inserts:
} Decompose Iodine and CaHA levels Diameter 25 mm
Length 125 mm
Image acquisition and image processing at multiple energy
levels is improving visualization for computed tomography. Phantom weight 6.0 kg
The QRM Multi-Energy QA phantom is ideally suited to test
multi-energy spectral CT protocols and post-processing tech- Includes stand and transport case
niques.
Inserts
The phantom consists of a removable/stand-alone head 26 Inserts included:
phantom (Ø 160 mm cylinder) with 10 holes (Ø 25 mm) CTwater (3 pcs.): 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
to house different inserts and an oval (QRM-10150) or an Water + Iodine (6 pcs.):
optional circular (QRM-10151) body, equipped with 9 bores. 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 mg/cm³
Body and Head section are made of water-equivalent materi- Adipose + Iodine (6 pcs.):
al (CTwater). 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 mg/cm³
Water + Ca hydroxyapatite (5 pcs.):
The phantom is equipped with a set of 26 inserts including 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/cm³
rods enriched with several contrast media (water+iodine, ad- ICRU Liver + Iron (3 pcs.)
ipose+iodine) as well as calcium (water+calcium hydroxyap- ICRU Adipose (1 pc.)
atite), each material with different concentrations. Addition- ICRU Brain (1 pc.)
ally, water- and soft tissue-equivalent inserts (adipose, liver, Tube (Fillable rod) (1 pc.)
brain - ICRU Report 44 and 46) are included. Mass density,
concentration and electron density are provided for all Calibration protocol:
materials. Physical density, concentration, electron density,
electron density relative to water
Other materials (e.g. blood+Iodine, various ICRU Tissues etc.) (Additional values upon request)
can be manufactured upon request.
Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values
1
Optionally, all inserts (recommended for/especially the higher
attenuating materials) can be manufactured with reduced
material diameter (e.g. Ø 10 mm) embedded in a wa-
ter-equivalent shell (in total Ø 25 mm). Ordering Information
QRM-10150 Multi-Energy QA Phantom with stand
Specification QRM-10151 D320 Ring for Multi-Energy QA Phantom
Body:
Phantom diameter 250 mm x 350 mm Options
Phantom length 125 mm QRM-10152 MEP - Set of 6 Gadolinium rods
Holes 9 pcs., 25 mm diameter QRM-10153 MEP - Set of 11 ICRU Tissue Equivalents
QRM-10154 MEP - Set of CTwater rods (2 pcs.)
Head insert: QRM-10155 MEP - Set of CTwater rods (15 pcs.)
Phantom diameter 160 mm
Phantom length 125 mm For further information please visit [Link].

6
Spectral CT Phantom

For testing different types of CT modal-

ities with dual-energy, multi-energy or
photon-counting setups

} Test the accuracy and consistency of spectral CT Inserts

} Test the scanner performance 4 plugs CTwater (QRM-10139) or
Perform a material characterization and quantification of
}  8 plugs CTwater (QRM-10147): 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
tissue-equivalent materials 12 test rods
} Decompose Iodine and CaHA levels ICRU Adipose tissue
} Test the post-processing techniques of spectral CT ICRU Muscle tissue
ICRU Lung tissue
Image acquisition and image processing at multiple energy ICRU Liver tissue
levels is improving visualization for computed tomography. 4 different solid Iodine rods (CTIodine)2 with 2, 5, 10
The QRM-Spectral-CT Phantoms are ideally suited to test and 15 mg I/cm³
multi-energy spectral CT protocols and post-processing tech- 4 different CaHA rods (bone)1 with 100, 200, 400
niques. and 800 mg CaHA/cm³
2 fillable rods/tubes
The 100 mm cylinder contains 4 holes (QRM-10139) or 8
1
Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values
holes (QRM-10147) with 20 mm diameter to house different 2
Specified values. Nominal values can vary due to manufacturing method and
solid rods and fillable tubes that can be used with water or imaging device.
contrast media. The set of solid rods includes different con-
centrations of Iodine and Ca-Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) as well
as water and soft tissue equivalents (adipose, muscle, bone, Ordering Information
and lung according to ICRU Report 44 and 46). Mass density, QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
electron density, and effective atomic number are provided QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
for all materials. QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes

Specification Options
Phantom diameter 100 mm QRM-10145 Fillable Rod, D20
Phantom height 103 mm QRM-30101 ICRU Tissue rod, soft tissues
Phantom weight 1.0 kg QRM-30102 ICRU Tissue rod, bone
Body material Water-equivalent (CTwater, QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes
approx. 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1) QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
Holes (Ø 20 mm) 4 pcs. (QRM-10139) or QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
8 pcs. (QRM-10147) QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
Insert diameter 20 mm QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
Insert height 103 mm QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm

For further information please visit [Link].

7
Dual-Energy Phantom, V2

Specially designed for dual-energy (DE)

purposes and suitable for QA, scanner
performance and evaluation of differ-
ent DE post-processing techniques

} D100 compatible Targets

} Create virtual non-contrast lesions Layer A
} CaHA and Iodine inclusions of different size and density CaHA 200 HU, 400 HU, 600 HU (Ø 5 mm)
Iodine 200 HU, 400 HU, 600 HU (Ø 5 mm)
Dual-energy capable CT devices enable the differentiation
of Ca and Iodine in clinical CT imaging. The QRM-10107 is Layer B
easy-to-use and optimized to test CT-scanner performance Half cylinder (Ø 10 mm)
and to evaluate different DE post-processing techniques by CaHA 200 HU, 400 HU, 600 HU
providing several virtual non-contrast lesions. Iodine 200 HU, 400 HU, 600 HU
Full cylinder (Ø 10 mm)
The different cylindrical lesions are enriched with CaHA Iodine 25 HU, 50 HU, 100 HU
(Ca-Hydroxyapatite) and CTIodine (solid Iodine) such that
they cannot be differentiated in a standard scan (equivalent Layer C
HU level at 120 kV), but generate contrast at other energies Adipose -140 HU (Ø 5 mm, Ø 10 mm)
(e.g., 80 kV / 140 kV). Thus, the DE scan allows material Adipose + Iodine 0 HU (Ø 5 mm, Ø 10 mm)
separation between CaHA and Iodine.
Specified values. Effective values can vary due to manufacturing method and
1

imaging device.
There are several options available to be used with the D100
compatible QRM-10107 as, for example, our Thorax or Ab-
domen Phantom. Ordering Information
QRM-10107 Dual Energy CT Phantom, V2
Specification
Phantom diameter 100 mm Options
Phantom height 100 mm QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
Phantom weight 1.0 kg QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
Inserts QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
8 cylindrical targets Ø 10 mm / H 10 mm QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
8 cylindrical targets Ø 5 mm / H 5 mm QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm
1 calibration cylinder Ø 25 mm / H 10 mm

CT values (HU) valid for 120 kV (± 5 HU)1:

Material
Phantom body CTwater, 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1

8
Dual-Energy Phantom, V5

Specially designed for dual-energy (DE)

purposes and suitable for QA, scanner
performance and evaluation of differ-
ent DE post-processing techniques

} D100 compatible Targets

} Create virtual non-contrast images Layer A Fat + CaHA / Iodine*
} CaHA and Iodine inclusions of different size and density Fat -110/-100 HU at 80/140 kV
Fat + CaHA 60 HU at 120 kV
The phantom includes fat and soft tissue lesions with differ- Fat + CaHA -50 HU at 120 kV
ent Iodine and CaHA concentrations. Fat -110/-100 HU at 80/140 kV
Fat + Iodine 60 HU at 120 kV
Dual-energy capable CT devices offer the opportunity to dis- Fat + Iodine -50 HU at 120 kV
tinguish between different tissues and materials in CT images
of clinical interest. In particular, the focus is on Calcium and Layer B Soft Tissue + CaHA / Iodine*
Iodine. Tissue 60/55 HU at 80/140 kV
Tissue + CaHA 200 HU at 120 kV
It is an easy-to-use phantom with different virtual fat- and Tissue + CaHA 100 HU at 120 kV
tissue-equivalent lesions, partially enriched with CaHA Tissue 60/55HU at 80/140 kV
(Ca–Hydroxyapatite) and CT Iodine (solid Iodine). CaHA and Tissue + Iodine 200 HU at 120 kV
Iodine enriched lesions appear on an equivalent HU level at Tissue + Iodine 100 HU at 120 kV
a standard CT scan. The DE scan allows material separation
between CaHA and Iodine. Layer C Fat + Soft Tissue + CaHA / Iodine*
Fat + Tissue -28/-24 HU at 80/140 kV
There are several options available to be used with the D100 Fat + Tissue + CaHA 140 HU at 120 kV
compatible QRM-10123 as, for example, our Thorax and Fat + Tissue + CaHA 30 HU at 120 kV
Abdomen Phantom. Fat + Tissue -28/-24 HU at 80/140 kV
Fat + Tissue + Iodine 140 HU at 120 kV
Specification Fat + Tissue + Iodine 30 HU at 120 kV
Phantom diameter 100 mm
Specified values. Effective values can vary due to manufacturing method and
1
Phantom height 100 mm
imaging device.
Phantom weight 1.0 kg

Inserts Ordering Information

18 cylindrical targets Ø 10 mm / H 10 mm QRM-10123 Dual Energy CT Phantom, V5
1 calibration cylinder Ø 25 mm / H 10 mm
Options
CT values (HU) valid for 120 kV (± 5 HU)1: QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
Material QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
Phantom body CTwater (0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1) QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
Calibration cylinder 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1 QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm

9
Cone-Beam Phantom,
Expert and Basic

For evaluating the imaging perfor-

mance of Computed Tomography (CT),
Cone-Beam CT as well as various
imaging systems

Multipurpose phantom for comparison of different CT and

}  Specification
CBCT scanner solutions Phantom diameter 160 mm
} Assess all relevant image quality metrics Phantom height 163 mm (QRM-10120, Basic)
} 
Provides different low contrast sections and spatial resolu- 183 mm (QRM-10103, Expert)
tion bar patterns Section height 20 mm
Allows MTF measurements in different orientations
}  Body material Soft tissue-equivalent plastic
(at 120 kV)
The phantom is designed to cover the whole range of image
quality parameters and offers the possibility to assess all rel- The phantom body comprises 8 (Basic, QRM-10120)
evant image quality metrics in accordance with national and or 9 (Expert, QRM-10103) sections:
international guidelines (e.g. TG-66) and standards (e.g. DIN
IEC 61223-3-5 or DIN IEC 61223-2-6): Section A - Contrast resolution (QRM-10103, Expert)
Section A1: contrast steps -60, -90, -120, -200 HU
Low-contrast capabilities Section A2: contrast steps -20, -25, -30, -45 HU
CT value uniformity Section A3: contrast steps -3, -5, -10, -15 HU
CT value accuracy
Image noise Section A - Contrast resolution (QRM-10120, Basic)
Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) Contrast steps of -3, -5, -10, -20 HU
Spatial resolution (ESF, MTF, wedges)
Spatial resolution (visual, line pattern) Insert diameter in steps of 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mm, respectively.
Geometric accuracy in-plane
Section B - Spatial resolution (QRM-10120 & QRM-10103)
It is essential to fully quantify the imaging performance of 14 circular aligned line patterns varying from 4 to 30 lp / cm.
volumetric X-ray scanners and to compare different systems
or technical solutions. The dedicated low contrast sections Section C - Scaling & noise (QRM-10120 & QRM-10103)
provide an ideal environment to test the system‘s low 3 inserts (Ø 24 mm) providing bone-equivalent material (400
contrast resolution. The Cone-Beam Phantom Basic (QRM- mg CaHA / cm3), water-equivalent (CTwater) and air.
10120) provides contrasts between -3 HU and -20 HU within
one section. The Cone-Beam Phantom Expert (QRM-10103) Section D - MTF wedges (QRM-10120 & QRM-10103)
accommodates three low contrast sections offering contrasts Two PTFE wedges (PTFE 20 mm x 16 mm x 80 mm) perpen-
between -3 and -200 HU to consider the large variation in dicularly aligned for evaluating the MTF in different orienta-
low contrast capabilities. Using the spatial resolution bar pat- tions.
terns you can assess the in-plane resolution of the system in
a direct visual manner. Additional edge inserts determine the Section E - Geometric distortion (QRM-10120 & QRM-10103)
system‘s MTF in different orientations. The image contrast Hole grid, consisting of 177 holes (Ø 3 mm) to measure the
and HU-scale section quantifies the machine‘s HU-scale and geometric distortion in the image.
the bone contrast achieved with different settings. Addition-
ally, the geometric accuracy, the CNR and the image noise of Section O - Plain (QRM-10120 & QRM-10103)
the scanner can be evaluated. Measure noise and homogeneity, optional space for cus-
tom-made adapter for individual mounting.

Ordering Information
QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
For further infomation please visit [Link]. QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic

10
Breast CT QA Phantom,
Expert

For measurement of imaging per-

formance of dedicated Breast-CT
Systems and other 3D Cone-Beam
tomography equipment

Suitable for image quality check-ups, acceptance and

} 
constancy testing of Breast CT and other Cone-Beam CT
Systems
Determination of spatial resolution in any direction
} 
(3D-MTF)
4 different targets (air, -3% contrast, +3% contrast and
} 
bone)

The phantom is designed to perform quality checks and test

the imaging performance of Breast- CT and Cone-Beam CT
systems.

The following image quality metrics can be obtained:

CT value uniformity
CT value accuracy
Image noise
Contrast-to-noise ratio
Spatial resolution (3D MTF)

Specification
Phantom diameter 140 mm
Phantom height 180 mm
Body material CTwater (water-equivalent)
Inserts length 17.5 mm

The phantom contains 3 defined sections:

Section I: 4 inserts with Ø 13 mm, height 25 mm
Section II: blank, water equivalent for noise, uniformity
Section III: Sphere for 3D-MTF, PTFE, Ø 12 mm

A dedicated evaluation software is currently not available.

Ordering Information
QRM-10136 Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert

11
2D Low Contrast Phantom

For evaluation of low-contrast resolu-

tion at various imaging systems as
clinical CT or Cone-Beam CT
(e.g. Dental-CBCT)

Include several cylindrical low-contrast test objects of

}  Ordering Information
different sizes (5 ... 15) mm QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
Contrast to background -20 HU and -10 HU in one
} 
phantom Options
QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
The phantom is designed to evaluate the imaging capabilities QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
of 3D X-ray imaging modalities in the x/y-plane. CT-scan- QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
ners low-contrast resolution capabilities can be obtained by QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
a single spiral scan and axial reconstruction. The phantom QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
visualizes the impact of all scans, image reconstruction, and QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm
display parameters.

There are two sectors providing different contrasts of -10 HU

and -20 HU, each with several cylindrical inserts (diameters
of 5, 10 and 15 mm) located within the cylindrical body of
homogeneous tissue-equivalent material.

There are several options available to be used with the D100

compatible QRM-10112 as, for example, our Thorax and
Abdomen Phantom.

Specification
Phantom diameter 100 mm
Phantom height 103 mm
Phantom weight 0.9 kg
Body material tissue-equivalent plastic at 120 kV

Contrast Inserts
Contrast values -10 HU and -20 HU relative to
background1
Dimensions Ø 5, 10, 15 mm / H 100 mm

Accuracy ± 3 HU of specified values

1

12
2D Medium Contrast
Phantom

For evaluation of low and medium

contrast resolution at various imaging
systems as clinical CT or Cone-Beam CT
(e.g. Dental-CBCT)

Includes several cylindrical medium contrast inserts of

}  Ordering Information
different sizes (2 ... 15 mm) QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
4 contrast steps in the phantom: -25, -50, -75 and
} 
-100 HU Options
QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
The phantom is designed to evaluate the imaging capabilities QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
of 3D X-ray imaging modalities in the x/y-plane. CT-scan- QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
ners low-contrast resolution capabilities can be obtained by QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
a single spiral scan and axial reconstruction. The phantom QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
visualizes the impact of all scans, image reconstruction, and QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm
display parameters.

There are four sectors providing different contrast steps of

-25, -50, -75 and -100 HU, each with several cylindrical in-
serts (diameters of 2, 4 ,6, 8 and 15 mm) located within the
cylindrical body of homogeneous tissue-equivalent material.
There are several options available to be used with the D100
compatible QRM-10100 as, for example, our Thorax and
Abdomen Phantom.

Specification
Phantom diameter 100 mm
Phantom height 103 mm
Phantom weight 0.9 kg
Body material tissue-equivalent plastic at 120 kV

Cylindrical Inserts
Contrast values -25, -50, -75 and -100 HU relative
to background1
Dimensions Ø 2, 4, 6, 8 and 15 mm / H 100 mm

Accuracy ± 3 HU of specified values

1

13
3D Low Contrast Phantom

For optimization of collimation, pitch

value and image reconstruction to
achieve isotropic spatial resolution in
all types of clinical applications

} D100 compatible Ordering Information

Includes several spherical low-contrast inserts arranged in
}  QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
two planes QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
} Contrast of -20 HU or -10 HU to background available
Options
The phantom has been designed to evaluate the imaging QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
capabilities of 3D X-ray imaging modalities in the x/y-plane QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
as well as in the sagittal plane. Several series of low-contrast QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
spheres (diameter varying from 3 mm to 8 mm) are located QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
in the 100 mm diameter cylindrical body of homogeneous QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
tissue-equivalent material. QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm

The low-contrast resolution capability is obtained by a single

spiral scan using axial images and coronal reformations. The
phantom visualizes the impact of all scans, image recon-
struction and display parameters. There are several options
available to be used with the D100 compatible QRM-10109
and QRM-10110 as, for example, our Thorax and Abdomen
Phantom.

Specification
Phantom diameter 100 mm
Phantom height 103 mm
Phantom weight 0.9 kg
Body material tissue-equivalent plastic

Contrast Inserts
Contrast values -10 HU (QRM-10109) or
-20 HU (QRM-10110)
relative to background1
Cylindrical contrast insert Ø 20 mm / H 25 mm
Spherical contrast inserts 9 spheres Ø 3 mm
9 spheres Ø 4 mm
9 spheres Ø 5 mm
9 spheres Ø 6 mm
7 spheres Ø 8 mm

Accuracy of ± 3 HU of specified values

1

14
Slice Sensitivity Phantom

Suitable tool to optimize collimation,

pitch and image reconstruction for
improved slice profile and axial spatial
resolution in all types of clinical
applications

Measure and evaluate the slice sensitivity in spiral CT

} 
volume scans
Houses a 25 micron thin (Ø 1 mm) and centrally placed
} 
gold foil

The phantom is designed to evaluate the slice sensitivity of

a CT scanner’s spiral/helical scan modes, i.e. the response of
the entire imaging system to a delta-shaped object. It con-
tains a circular 25 micron thin metal foil (Au), embedded in a
cylinder of uniform tissue-equivalent plastic.

The heavy metal foil is designed to evaluate all collimations

from 0.5 mm to 10 mm (and more) with adequate image
contrast. We suggest analyzing the maximum CT number of
the high-contrast insert for a series of axial images (sequen-
tial scan) and to compare it to the profile extracted from a
spiral scan with varying pitch factor and image reconstruction
parameters.

Specification
Phantom diameter 23 mm
Phantom height 100 mm
Phantom material tissue-equivalent plastic
Metal (Au) foil: Ø 1 mm,
thickness: 0.025 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-10114 Slice Sensitivity Phantom

15
3D Spatial Resolution
Phantom, D100

For optimization of collimation, pitch

value and image reconstruction to
achieve isotropic spatial resolution in
all types of clinical applications

} Evaluate spatial resolution in-plane and sagittal CT-images Specification

} Provides several hole patterns in two planes Phantom diameter 100 mm
Phantom height 70 mm (z)
The high-contrast spatial resolution test phantom visualizes Phantom weight 0.8 kg
spatial resolution axial and sagittal plane of dedicated CT Two plates with test Ø 100 mm x 10 mm
protocols and image reconstruction algorithms. The test patterns aligned 50 mm x 100 mm x 10 mm
pattern is a series of drilled holes with varying diameter and perpendicular
spacing from 4.0 mm down to 0.4 mm (see table) covering Material Acrylic plastic
an order of magnitude in spatial frequency.
Ordering Information
With spiral/helical CT, evaluating both axial images and QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100
coronal reformations, spatial 3D resolution can be tested by a
single scan. Options
QRM-10111 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom
The table summarizes the geometrical properties of the test QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
pattern: diameter of cylindrical drill holes, spacing between QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
two drilled holes, and resulting spatial frequency in lp/cm. QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
Each line of the pattern consists of five holes. In order to ease QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
localization, markers are placed in the vicinity of two lines. QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm
Table:
Diameter (mm) Line pairs/cm
4.0 1.25
3.0 1.66
2.0 2.50
1.5 3.33
1.2 4.16
1.0 5.00
0.9 5.55
0.8 6.25
0.7 7.14
0.6 8.33
0.5 10.0
0.4 12.5

16
3D Spatial Resolution
Phantom

For optimization of collimation, pitch

value and image reconstruction to
achieve isotropic spatial resolution in
all types of clinical applications

} Evaluate spatial resolution in-plane and sagittal CT images Specification

} Provides several hole patterns in two planes Phantom dimension 140 mm x 173 mm (in-plane)
Phantom height 194 mm (z)
The high-contrast spatial resolution test phantom visualizes Phantom weight 0.8 kg
spatial resolution axial and sagittal plane of dedicated CT Material Acrylic plastic
protocols and image reconstruction algorithms. The test
pattern is a series of drilled holes with varying diameter and Size of plates with 50 mm x 100 mm x 10 mm
spacing from 4.0 mm down to 0.4 mm (see table) covering test patterns
an order of magnitude in spatial frequency.
Ordering Information
With spiral/helical CT, evaluating both axial images and QRM-10111 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom
coronal reformations, spatial 3D resolution can be tested by a
single scan.

The table summarizes the geometrical properties of the test

pattern: diameter of cylindrical drill holes, spacing between
two drilled holes, and resulting spatial frequency in lp/cm.
Each line of the pattern consists of five holes. In order to ease
localization, markers are placed in the vicinity of two lines.

Table:
Diameter (mm) Line pairs/cm
4.0 1.25
3.0 1.66
2.0 2.50
1.5 3.33
1.2 4.16
1.0 5.00
0.9 5.55
0.8 6.25
0.7 7.14
0.6 8.33
0.5 10.0
0.4 12.5

17
Wire Phantoms

Perfect tool to assess in-plane spatial

resolution of any 3D X-ray imaging
system

} 3 different versions available

A ssess in-plane spatial resolution of any 3D X-ray imaging
} 
system by evaluating the PSF and MTF

The phantoms contain a 50 micron thick wire aligned parallel

to the phantom axis of rotation centrally in the cylindrical
body. The wire is either surrounded by homogeneous solid
material or placed in the air.

Using the phantom, the Point Spread Function (PSF)

and Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) can easily be
investigated.

Customizable: Different wire diameters are available upon

request.

Specification
Wire Phantom, resin (QRM-10104)
Phantom diameter 45 mm
Phantom height 60 mm
Phantom material Proprietary resin

Wire Phantom, D100 (QRM-10105)

Phantom diameter 100 mm
Phantom height 100 mm
Phantom material Soft tissue-equivalent plastic

Wire Phantom, air (QRM-10138)

Phantom diameter 45 mm
Phantom height 60 mm
Phantom housing Durable plastic

Wire typically tungsten

Thickness 0.05 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-10104 Wire Phantom, resin
QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
QRM-10138 Wire Phantom, air

18
Beam Stop Phantom

For estimation of the scatter distribu-

tion of X-ray cone-beam CT and
for developing scatter correction
techniques

Convenient performance of scatter measurements in

} 
radiological setups
} Array of lead cylinders embedded in a PMMA plate

The Phantom consists of an array of lead cylinders embedded

in an acrylic (PMMA) plate. Lead blockers offer an attenu-
ation sufficient to prevent primary radiation reaching the
detector. The Beam Stop Phantom is a convenient tool to
experimentally determine the X-ray scatter-to-primary-ratio
for a given measurement setup for analog and digital radiog-
raphy.

The Beam Stop array is placed between the object and the
X-ray source or between the object and detector.

A measurement of the signal level behind each blocker gives

the scatter intensity, whereas a measurement without the
phantom represents the total intensity (scatter and primary
signal). Dividing both values results in the scatter fraction.

Specification
Phantom dimension 240 mm x 240 mm
Phantom height (5.5 ... 6) mm
Body material PMMA

Lead Cylindrical Inlets

Height (5 ... 6) mm
Diameter 3 mm
Spacing 20 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-10115 Beam Stop Phantom

19
Dental CBCT QA Phantom,
Basic

For measurement of imaging perfor-

mance of dental Cone-Beam CT
equipment

For testing the imaging performance of dental cone-beam

}  Specification
CT systems Phantom diameter 160 mm
A compact easy-to-use phantom for acceptance and con-
}  Phantom height 150 mm
stancy tests Body material CTwater 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
} Allows 3D MTF measurements
3 sections:
The phantom is designed to evaluate the image quality Inserts (length 17.5 mm):
parameters of Cone-Beam CT devices according to interna- Section 1: 4 inserts with Ø 13 mm
tional guidelines (e.g. dental Cone-Beam CT, Digital Volume Section 2: blank, water equivalent for noise, uniformity
Tomography) and standards (e.g. DIN IEC 61223-3-5 or Section 3: Sphere for 3D-MTF, Al, Ø 12 mm
DIN IEC 61223-2-6).
Ordering Information
The following image quality metrics can be obtained: QRM-10130 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic
CT value uniformity
CT value accuracy
Image noise
Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)
Spatial resolution (3D MTF, sphere)

3 defined sections:
Section 1: 4 inserts in water: air, -3% contrast, +3% contrast
and bone arranged concentrically
Section 2: Homogeneous water-equivalent slice
Section 3: Centrally placed high-attenuating sphere

20
Dental CBCT QA Phantom,
Expert

For measurement of imaging perfor-

mance of dental Cone-Beam CT
equipment

For testing the imaging performance of dental cone-beam

}  Specification
CT systems Phantom diameter 100 mm
A compact easy-to-use phantom for acceptance and con-
}  Phantom height 100 mm
stancy tests Body material CTwater 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
} Allows 3D MTF measurements
5 sections:
The phantom is designed to evaluate the image quality Inserts (length 17.5 mm):
parameters of Cone-Beam CT devices according to interna- Section 1: 4 inserts with Ø 13 mm
tional guidelines (e.g. dental Cone-Beam CT, Digital Volume Section 2: Sphere for 3D-MTF, Al, Ø 12 mm
Tomography) and standards (e.g. DIN IEC 61223-3-5 or Section 3: blank, water equivalent for noise, uniformity
DIN IEC 61223-2-6). Section 4: Hole grid Ø 0.3 to 1.0 mm in-plane and coronal,
spatial resolution
The following image quality metrics can be obtained: Section 5: a rtificial dental arch, 7 bone inserts
CT value uniformity (100 mg CaHA/cm³) with Ø 3 mm
CT value accuracy 2 metal inserts (Titanium) with Ø 3 mm
Image noise 3 soft tissue inserts (-8 % / 0 % / +8 %) with Ø 9 mm
Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) Metal artifact behaviour in bone and soft tissue
Spatial resolution (3D MTF, sphere)
Spatial resolution (visual, hole pattern) Extension ring Ø 160 mm, height 100 mm
Artifact behavior metal/bone / soft tissue
Ordering Information
5 defined sections: QRM-10131 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert
Section 1: 4 inserts in water: air, -3% contrast, +3% contrast
and bone arranged concentrically
Section 2: Centrally placed high-attenuating sphere
Section 3: Homogeneous water-equivalent slice
Section 4: Acrylic resolution pattern
Section 5: Titanium rods and tissue-equivalent inserts

21
Water Tank Phantom

For the evaluation of noise and homo-

genity in CT images

} D100 compatible
} Evaluate noise and homogeneity of a 3D scan
} Samples and small phantoms can be placed in water

The phantom can be attached to the Thorax (QRM-20100) or

Abdomen (QRM-20118) Phantom but can as well be used as
a stand-alone phantom.

The PMMA Water Tank Phantom can be filled with water

and allows the evaluation of noise and homogeneity of a
3D scan. Furthermore, smaller samples or phantoms can be
placed and measured in the cylindrical unit.

A support for custom phantoms to be placed in water is

available upon request.

Specification
Phantom height 200 mm
Phantom width 120 mm
Phantom length 228 mm
Phantom weight 0.6 kg
Phantom material PMMA
Cylinder diameter 100 mm
Cylinder length 108 mm
Cylinder wall thickness 3.0 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-10113 Water Tank Phantom

Options
QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm

22
Calcium Scoring Phantom,
D100

A calibration standard for cardiac CT to

achieve reproducible scoring results

} Calibration standard for cardiac CT Specification

} Investigate the detectability of coronary calcifications Phantom diameter 100 mm
} Achieve reproducible scoring results Phantom height 100 mm
} Include CaHA targets in different sizes and density Phantom weight 0.9 kg
Body material Soft tissue-equivalent
It is ideally suited to investigate the influence of scan parame- (approx. 30 HU at 120 kV)
ters on the detectability of calcifications.
Inserts
The phantom contains nine cylindrical calcification inserts in 3 cylindrical inserts (200, 400, 800 mg CaHA /cm3):
varying size and density of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA). Ø 5 mm / H 5 mm
Furthermore, there are two larger calibration inserts (wa- 3 cylindrical inserts (200, 400, 800 mg CaHA /cm3):
ter-equivalent and CaHA material). All inserts are embedded Ø 3 mm / H 3 mm
in a soft tissue-equivalent material (approx. 30 HU at 120 3 cylindrical inserts (200, 400, 800 mg CaHA /cm3):
kV). Ø 1 mm / H 1 mm

In order to obtain absolute values for the calcium mass, a Ordering Information
calibration measurement with the central calibration insert QRM-10146 Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100
of known CaHA density of 200 mg CaHA/cm³ can be carried
out. The water-equivalent insert serves as a further calibra-
tion standard. In practice the CT number of water should
always be checked in the given set up. If the measured value
deviates from zero, the known deviation can be taken into
account in the applied scoring method.

In combination with the optional available thorax phantom,

the set provides the opportunity to receive realistic calcium
scores.

23
High Contrast Resolution
Phantom, D100

A perfect tool to assess in-plane resolu-

tion of CT and CBCT X-ray systems in a
direct visual manner

Evaluation of in-plane resolution of CT and CBCT X-ray

}  Specification
systems in a direct visual manner Phantom diameter 100 mm
} D100 compatible Phantom height 100 mm
Phantom weight 0.9 kg
The high-contrast resolution phantom visualizes the impact Body material Soft tissue-equivalent,
of scan protocols and image reconstruction algorithms. The approx. 35 HU at 120 kV
test pattern is a series of high contrast bars with varying
width and spacing from 0.63 mm to 0.1 mm (see table) Two sections:
allowing for an order of magnitude in spatial frequency. Section 1: bar pattern from (8 ... 22) lp/cm in steps of 2 lp/cm
line width: (0.6 ... 0.2) mm
Table: Section 2: bar pattern from (20 ... 50) lp/cm in steps of 2 lp/cm
lp/cm lp/mm Line (mm) line width: (0.25 ... 0.1) mm
8 0.8 0.63
Ordering Information
10 1.0 0.5
QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100
12 1.2 0.42
14 1.4 0.36 Options
16 1.6 0.31 QRM-20100: Thorax Phantom
18 1.8 0.28 QRM-20118: Abdomen Phantom
20 2 0.25 QRM-20115: Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
QRM-20116: Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
22 2.2 0.23
QRM-10141: Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
24 2.4 0.21 QRM-10142: Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm
26 2.6 0.19
28 2.8 0.18
30 3 0.17
40 4 0.13
50 5 0.1

There are several options available to be used with the D100

compatible QRM-10140 as, for example, our Thorax and
Abdomen Phantom.

24
MAM Phantoms

Technician and operator sets for

mammography stereotactic biopsy
systems

For acceptance and constancy tests for prone mammo-

} 
graphy stereotactic biopsy systems
} Designed in accordance with DIN 6868-163

Both sets offer the possibility to perform acceptance and con-

stancy tests according to DIN 6868-163. The phantoms are
made of PMMA and can be positioned between X-ray tube
and detector of the mammography unit using two alumini-
um rods (included).

Specification
Technician set for MAM 6868-163 (QRM-10148):
1x Test plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 6 mm
2x Absorber plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 20 mm
2x Absorber plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 10 mm
1x Absorber plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 6 mm
1x Absorber plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 4 mm

Operator set for MAM 6868-163 (QRM-10149):

1x Test plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 6 mm
1x Absorber plate 150 mm x 150 mm x 40 mm

All plates have two bore holes, such that they can be
attached to the aluminum holder (two rods, diameter: 6 mm,
length: 120 mm)

Ordering Information
QRM-10148 Technician set for MAM 6868-163
QRM-10149 Operator set for MAM 6868-163

25
Notes

26
Anthropomorphic Phantoms
} Thorax Phantom 28

} Abdomem Phantom 29

} Oval Body Phantoms 30

} Extension Rings 31

} Calcium Scoring Phantom Set 32

} Liver Nodule Phantom 33

} Pediatric Thorax and Abdomen Phantoms 34

} Cranial CT Phantom 35

} Lung Nodule Phantom 36

} D100 Insert Phantoms 37

27
Thorax Phantom

A (semi-) anthropomorphic surrounding

for all D100 compatible image quality
inserts

} D100 compatible There are multiple standard cylinders for image quality pur-
} Includes spine and lung lobes poses available. The following D100 Insert are available:
} Customizable
QRM-10108 D100 Soft Tissue Insert
The phantom comprises artificial lung lobes and a bone-like QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
spine insert (spongiosa and corticalis) surrounded by soft QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
tissue-equivalent material. QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
The plastics used in this phantom mimic human tissues in the QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
thorax with respect to density and X-ray attenuation charac- QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100
teristics of a human thorax. QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100
QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
The QRM-20100 is a compact functional phantom as it can QRM-10113 Water Tank Phantom
be easily positioned on the patient couch in order to success- QRM-10107 Dual Energy Phantom, V2
fully conduct all measurement tasks. QRM-10123 Dual Energy Phantom, V5
QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
Specification QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes
Phantom height 103 mm QRM-10146 Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100
Phantom weight 2.7 kg QRM-40106 Dose Insert D100
Diameter of borehole 100 mm QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100

Body material Soft tissue-equivalent,

approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV Further, there are extension rings available to mimic obese
Lung approx. -800 HU at 120 kV patients:
Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like,
approx. 550 HU / 200 HU QRM-20104 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
at 120 kV QRM-20105 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
QRM-20106 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
Ordering Information QRM-20107 Extension Ring Fat, M
QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom QRM-20108 Extension Ring Fat, L
QRM-20109 Extension Ring Fat, XL
Options
The Thorax Phantom is also available with drilled holes
according to CTDI specifications:

QRM-40104 Thorax Dosimetry Phantom

28
Abdomen Phantom

A (semi-) anthropomorphic surrounding

for our multiple D100 imaging inserts

} D100 compatible There are multiple standard cylinders for image quality pur-
} Includes organs (liver, spleen) poses available. The following D100 Insert are available:

The phantom comprises a bone-like spine insert (spongiosa QRM-10108 D100 Soft Tissue Insert
and corticalis) and fixed liver and spleen inserts providing the QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
appropriate CT values of real tissues. All organs are embed- QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
ded in soft tissue-equivalent material. QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
The plastics of this phantom mimic human tissues with QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100
respect to density and X-ray attenuation characteristics of a QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100
human abdomen. QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
QRM-10113 Water Tank Phantom
There are multiple standard cylinders (D100) for image quality QRM-10107 Dual Energy Phantom, V2
purposes available (see options section). QRM-10123 Dual Energy Phantom, V5
QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
Customizable: The phantom can be manufactured with QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
exchangeable/removable liver and spleen inserts. QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes
QRM-10146 Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100
Specification QRM-40106 Dose Insert D100
Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100
Phantom height 103 mm
Phantom weight 3.2 kg
Diameter of borehole 100 mm Further, there are extension rings available to mimic obese
Body material Soft tissue-equivalent, patients:
approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
Liver/Spleen tissue-equivalent, QRM-20104 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
approx. 60 HU at 120 kV QRM-20105 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like, QRM-20106 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
approx. 550 HU / 200 HU QRM-20107 Extension Ring Fat, M
at 120 kV QRM-20108 Extension Ring Fat, L
QRM-20109 Extension Ring Fat, XL
Ordering Information
QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom

Options
The Abdomen Phantom is also available with drilled holes
according to CTDI specifications:

QRM- 40105 Abdomen Dosimetry Phantom

29
Oval Body Phantom

A (semi-)anthropomorphic surrounding
for multiple D100 inserts to investigate
the influence of scan parameters in CT
and CBCT

} D100 compatible Options

} (Semi-)anthropomorphic surrounding There are multiple standard cylinders for image quality pur-
poses available. The following D100 Insert are available:
The oval phantom body comprises a shell of water-equivalent
or soft tissue-equivalent material. QRM-10108 D100 Soft Tissue Insert
The plastic used in this (semi-) anthropomorphic phantom QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
mimics the human body with respect to density and X-ray QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
attenuation characteristics. QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
It provides a centrally placed 100 mm diameter bore hole QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100
to place multiple standard test cylinders for image quality QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100
purposes and various other measurement tasks. Furthermore, QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
this phantom is also available as a dosimetry version (see QRM-10113 Water Tank Phantom
options section). QRM-10107 Dual Energy Phantom, V2
QRM-10123 Dual Energy Phantom, V5
Specification QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
Phantom height 103 mm QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes
Phantom weight 2.6 kg QRM-10146 Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100
Diameter of borehole 100 mm QRM-40106 Dose Insert D100
Body material QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100
QRM-20115 Soft tissue-equivalent,
approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
QRM-20116 Water-equivalent (CTwater), Further, there are extension rings available to mimic obese
approx. 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1 patients:

Accuracy of ± 5 HU of specified values

1
QRM-20104 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
QRM-20105 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
Ordering Information QRM-20106 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue QRM-20107 Extension Ring Fat, M
QRM-20116 Ovel Body Phantom, CTwater QRM-20108 Extension Ring Fat, L
QRM-20109 Extension Ring Fat, XL

Dosimetry version with drilled holes according to CTDI

specifications for dosimetry purposes:

QRM-40100 CDTI CTwater phantom

30
Extension Rings

The Extension Rings for the simulation

of obese patients that fit on our
standard phantoms such as the Thorax,
Abdomen and Liver Nodule Phantom

} To simulate obesity of patients Ordering Information

} Compatible with standard phantoms QRM-20104 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
} Available in soft tissue-, fat- or water-equivalent QRM-20105 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
} Dosimetry option with available QRM-20106 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
QRM-20107 Extension Ring Fat, M
The Extension Rings are a good choice for testing the in- QRM-20108 Extension Ring Fat, L
fluences/impact of higher attenuation due to an increased QRM-20109 Extension Ring Fat, XL
abdominal or chest girth on image quality in CT and other
3D imaging techniques.
To mimic different degrees of obesity, the Extension Rings All Extension Rings are also available as dosimetry version:
are available in sizes M, L and XL. Further, you can choose
between tissue-equivalent and fat-equivalent material for all QRM-40107 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
ring sizes. QRM-40108 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
QRM-40109 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
Upon request all rings can be manufactured from other ma- QRM-40110 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, M
terials as water-equivalent material (CTwater). QRM-40111 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, L
QRM-40112 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, XL
Specification
Extension Ring M:
Outside dimensions 250 mm x 350 mm Options
Inside dimensions 200 x 300 mm QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
Height 103 mm QRM-20103 Calcium Scoring Phantom Set
QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
Extension Ring L: QRM-20119 Liver Nodule Phantom
Outside dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
Inside dimensions 200 mm x 300 mm QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
Height 103 mm

Extension Ring XL:

Outside dimensions 450 mm x 600 mm
Inside dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm
Height 103 mm

Please note: The XL Extension Ring has to be used in combi-

nation with the Extension Ring in size L.

Body materials Soft tissue-equivalent,

approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
Fat-equivalent,
approx. -(70 ... 90) HU at 120 kV

31
Calcium Scoring Phantom
Set

A calibration standard for cardiac CT to

achieve reproducible scoring results

HA density Length Diameter Volume Area HA mass

} Calibration standard for cardiac CT
(mg/cm3) (mm) (mm) (mm3) (mm2) (mg)
} Investigate the detectability of coronary calcifications
} Achieve reproducible scoring results 200 5.0 5.0 98.2 19.6 19.6
} Include CaHA targets in different sizes and density 200 3.0 3.0 21.2 7.1 4.2
200 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.2
The phantom is ideally suited to investigate the influence of 400 5.0 5.0 98.2 19.6 39.3
scan parameters on the detectability of calcifications. It is 400 3.0 3.0 21.2 7.1 8.5
designed in a modular construction principle. It is made up
400 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.3
of two parts: Thorax Phantom (QRM-20100) and Calcium
Scoring Phantom, D100 (QRM-10146) 800 5.0 5.0 98.2 19.6 78.5
800 3.0 3.0 21.2 7.1 17
The Thorax Phantom (QRM-20103) comprises artificial lung 800 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.6
lobes and a bone-like spine insert (spongiosa and corticalis)
surrounded by soft tissue-equivalent material. The plastics Specification
used in this phantom mimic human tissues in the thorax with Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm
respect to density and X-ray attenuation characteristics of a Phantom height 103 mm
human thorax. Phantom weight (total) 3.6 kg
Weight of cardiac insert 0.9 kg
The Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100 (QRM-10146) contains Body material Soft tissue-equivalent
nine cylindrical calcification inserts in varying size and calcium approx. 30 HU at 120 kV
hydroxyapatite (CaHA) density (see Table). Furthermore, there
are two larger calibration inserts (water-equivalent and CaHA Inserts
material). All inserts are embedded in a soft tissue-equivalent 3 cylindrical inserts 200, 400, 800 mg CaHA /cm3,
material (approximately 30 HU at 120 kV). Ø 5 mm / H 5 mm
3 cylindrical inserts 200, 400, 800 mg CaHA /cm3,
In order to obtain absolute values for the calcium mass, a Ø 3 mm / H 3 mm
calibration measurement with the central calibration insert 3 cylindrical inserts 200, 400, 800 mg CaHA /cm3
of known CaHA density of 200 mg CaHA/cm³ can be carried Ø 1 mm / H 1 mm
out. The water-equivalent insert serves as a further calibra-
tion standard. In practice the CT number of water should Lung approx. -800 HU at 120 kV
always be checked in the given set up. If the measured value Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like,
deviates from zero, the known deviation can be taken into approx. 550 HU / 200 HU
account in the applied scoring method. at 120 kV

The phantom contains nine cylindrical calcification inserts in Ordering Information

varying size and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) density (see QRM-20103 Calcium Scoring Phantom Set
Table). Furthermore, there are two larger calibration inserts
(water-equivalent and CaHA material). All inserts are embed-
ded in a soft tissue-equivalent material (approximately 30 HU
at 120 kV).

32
Liver Nodule Phantom

The (semi-)anthropomorphic phantom

comprises an exchangeable liver insert
with multiple liver nodules for the
examination of low contrast details in
the liver region in CT and FD-CT

} Analyze computer-aided diagnoses (CAD) procedures Ordering Information

} Customizable QRM-20119 Liver Nodule Phantom

It is ideally suited/a good choice to analyze computer-aided Options

diagnoses (CAD) procedures. The phantom allows to test the There are extension rings available to mimic obese patients:
capability of the setup to differentiate different kinds of nod-
ules within the human liver. The modular design comprises a QRM-20104 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
removable liver insert containing multiple oval and spherical QRM-20105 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
lesions of different size, shape, and density. Positioned in QRM-20106 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
two layers there are multiple hypo- and hyperdense nodules QRM-20107 Extension Ring Fat, M
generating different contrast levels relative to the iodinated QRM-20108 Extension Ring Fat, L
liver background. The surrounding abdomen comprises a QRM-20109 Extension Ring Fat, XL
bone-like spine insert (spongiosa and corticalis) and a homo-
geneous spleen insert surrounded by soft tissue-equivalent
material.

The shape and density of the nodules in the Liver insert can
be customized upon request.

Specification
Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm
Phantom height 103 mm
Phantom weight 4.2 kg

Nodules (one hypo- and one hyperdense nodule in each size

arranged in two layers within the liver):
Elliptical 40 mm x 55 mm
36 mm x 45 mm
24 mm x 35 mm
16 mm x 20mm
12 mm x 15 mm
Spherical Ø 25 mm
Ø 20 mm

Body material Soft tissue-equivalent,

approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
Liver/Spleen mimics iodine-enriched tissue,
approx. 90 HU at 120 kV
Hypodense Nodules approx. 45 HU at 120 kV
Hyperdense Nodules approx. 180 HU at 120 kV
Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like,
approx. 550 HU / 200 HU at 120 kV

33
Pediatric Thorax and Pediat-
ric Abdomen Phantom

An excellent tool to validate IQ para-

meters or dose in a (semi-) anthropo-
morphic surrounding for pediatric
applications

} For image quality purposes and/or dose estimation Phantom materials:

Different sizes available (newborn, 1-, 3-, 6-, 12- or
}  Body material Soft tissue-equivalent,
15-years) approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
} Dosimetry versions available Lung approx. -800 HU at 120 kV
Liver/Spleen tissue-equivalent,
The pediatric thorax and abdomen phantoms in the size of a approx. 60 HU at 120 kV
newborn up to a young child are an excellent tool to validate Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like1
IQ parameters or dose in a (semi-)anthropomorphic surround-
Offers approximate attenuation properties as trabecular and cortical bone of the
1
ing.
specific age

The anthropomorphic-shaped phantoms cover different ages

and, hence, provide an opportunity for realistic measure- Ordering Information
ments of dose and image quality in X-ray diagnostics. QRM-20120 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, newborn
QRM-20137 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 1 year
The phantoms are designed to provide realistic organs and QRM-20138 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 3 years
shapes. The Pediatric Thorax comprises artificial lung lobes QRM-20121 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 6 years
and a spine insert embedded within a shell of soft tis- QRM-20123 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 12 years
sue-equivalent material. The Pediatric Abdomen comprises a QRM-20139 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 15 years
liver, a spleen and a spine insert embedded within a shell of QRM-20125 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, newborn
soft tissue-equivalent material. Dose bores are positioned in QRM-20140 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 1 year
accordance to the CTDI recommendations. QRM-20141 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 3 years
All materials used mimic the physical X-ray attenuation prop- QRM-20142 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 6 years
erties and density of real human tissues. QRM-20143 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 12 years
QRM-20144 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 15 years
The pediatric phantoms house a central replaceable insert ad-
justed to the size of the phantom. A tissue-equivalent insert
with dose bore is included. Optional image quality test inserts
(e.g. low contrast, spatial resolution, etc.) can be requested
as a custom-made solution.

Specification
Phantom dimensions:

Thorax/Abdomen xy z Circumf. BMI

(mm) (mm) (mm)

Newborn 135x90 150 330

1 year 150x100 150 415 17
3 years 180x120 150 497 16
6 years 210x140 150 580 16
12 years 240x160 150 663 18
15 years 270x180 150 745 20
18 years/adults 300x200 100 828 21

34
Cranial CT Phantom

For mimicing the human skull and brain

anatomy for CT/CBCT imaging

} Mimics the human skull and brain anatomy for CT imaging

Investigate low contrast, beam hardening, partial volume
} 
artefacts etc.

The phantom is based on a brain-equivalent plastic with a

constant CT-number for different kV settings surrounded by
bone structures imitating the X-ray absorption of the human
skull.

The inner part of the phantom comprises two different sec-

tions. One section includes the base of the skull with uniform
brain tissue and bony structures equivalent to the temporal
bones. This section is suitable to demonstrate and evaluate
the image quality in the base of the skull, especially affected
by beam hardening effects, partial volume effects and arti-
facts caused by scanner instabilities, e.g., anode wobble.

The second section is designed to test the low-contrast capa-

bilities of the imaging system. Several low-contrast structures
(grey matter) within the uniform brain tissue (white matter)
simulate typical cortex structures and central low-contrast
structures of the brain.

Specification
Phantom dimension 140 mm x 180 mm
Phantom height 88 mm
Phantom weight 2.0 kg
Body material Brain tissue,
approx. 35 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
Low contrast structures + 7 HU above surrounding tissue1
Medium dense bone HA 400 (400 mg CaHA / cm3)
Dense bone HA 1000 (1000 mg CaHA / cm3)

Accuracy ± 3 HU of specified values.

1

Ordering Information
QRM-20113 Cranial CT Phantom

35
Lung Nodule Phantom

For assessment of the detectability of

various lung nodules within the lung
region in pulmonary CT examinations

} (Semi-)anthropomorphic phantom Nodule size:

Includes multiple spherical nodules of different densities
}  Nodule/ 2 mm 4 mm 6 mm 8 mm 10 mm
and dimensions diameter

20 HU 1 2 1 1 1
It houses multiple spherical nodules of different densities 50 HU 2 1 1 1 1
and dimensions arranged randomly within both lung lobes. 80 HU 1 1 2 1 2
The nodules are designed to cover various imaging scenari-
-650 HU 1 2 1 1 1
os with respect to nodule type and grey value (e.g., ground
-750 HU 1 1 1 2 1
glass opacity). The enclosed lung material consists of homo-
geneous and heterogeneous lung granulate which can be -850 HU 2 1 1 1 1
optionally filled into the lung lobes by the end user.
Nodules with core and shell:
In order to mimic a (semi-)anthropomorphic surrounding it Nodule No. Core Shell D Core D Shell
contains a bone-like spine (corticalis and spongiosa). The 1 50 HU -750 HU 2 4
body is made of soft tissue-equivalent material. 2 50 HU -750 HU 2 6
3 50 HU -750 HU 4 8
The QRM-20114 is a compact functional phantom and can
be easily positioned on the patient couch.

Specification Ordering Information

Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm QRM-20114 Lung Nodule Phantom
Phantom height 200 mm (210 mm including both
cover plates)
Phantom weight 3.0 kg
Body material Soft tissue-equivalent,
approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
Lung-equivalent granules approx. -900 HU at 120 kV
Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like,
approx. 550 HU / 200 HU at
120 kV

36
D100 Insert Phantoms

The ingenious D100 concept for

the combination of our multiple
D100 insert phantoms with (semi-)
anthropomorphic phantoms
(e.g. Thorax and Abdomen)

There are various D100 Inserts Phantoms covering a variety of

image quality, multi-energy, and radiotherapy purposes.

All of the inserts fit into our (semi-) anthropomorphic phan-

toms as, for example, the QRM-Thorax or the QRM-Abdo-
men Phantoms.

Ordering Information
QRM-10108 D100 Soft Tissue Insert
QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100
QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100
QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
QRM-10113 Water Tank Phantom
QRM-10107 Dual Energy Phantom, V2
QRM-10123 Dual Energy Phantom, V5
QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes
QRM-10146 Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100
QRM-40106 Dose Insert D100
QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100

All of the above Insert Phantoms can be combined with:

QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom

QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater

37
Notes

38
Tissue-Equivalent Materials
} CTwater 40

} Bone 41

} ICRU Tissues 42

} CTIodine 43

39
CTwater

A proprietary water-equivalent resin

that exhibits the same x-ray attenuation
properties as liquid water over the tube
voltage range of 80 kV to 140 kV

} Water-equivalent material for clinical X-ray modalities

} High long-term stability
Specified properties certified with state-of-the-art
} 
CT scanners
} Can be manufactured in any shape

It is a very stable (solid) material and can be produced in large

quantities and in a variety of ways with a high degree of
homogeneity and uniformity to measure the imaging perfor-
mance of X-ray modalities. Its accuracy is typically about
0 HU ± 5 HU (± 3 HU) which depends on various parameters
such as application area, quantity, or shape. CTwater is also
the basis for some QRM phantoms, like the European Spine
Phantom (ESP) or Dual Energy Phantom. It is a well-estab-
lished and widely used material for calibration purposes.

The material is long-term stable and can be manufactured in

any shape.

The accuracy of the specified features is evaluated using the

latest CT scanners and approved by our quality management.

Specification
Material proprietary water-equivalent plastic
Accuracy 0 HU ± 5 HU in the range of
(80 ... 140) kV tube voltage
Density 1.03 mg / cm3

Ordering Information
Please contact qrmphantoms@[Link]

40
Bone

Suitable for HU vs. CaHA calibrations of

Bone Mineral Densitometry assessment,
as calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is the
basic component of human bone

} Solid material that mimics human bone

Available in different forms and concentrations of calcium
} 
hydroxyapatite (in mg HA/cm3)

It mimics real human bone in terms of its physical X-ray

attenuation properties.

Some examples of applications where bone material can be

used as follows:

- bone mineral density calibration

- bone density measurements
- bone (spine, hip, etc.) in anthropomorphic phantoms
- Ca-plugs and stenosis in coronary arteries
- high attenuating spheres

The base material, mixed with the specific fraction of

CaHA, is available as CTwater (water-equivalent resin),
tissue-equivalent, or fat.

Different CaHA concentrations (bone mineral densities) or

specified CT HU values are available upon request.

Specification
Material Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA)
Density (0 ... 1000) mg HA / cm³,
for Computed Tomography
(0 ... 1200) mg HA / cm³,
for Micro-CT

Ordering Information
Please contact qrmphantoms@[Link]

41
ICRU Tissues

Solid plastics that mimic human tissues

with respect to their physical X-ray
attenuation properties

Mimic the physical X-ray attenuation properties of the

}  ICRU Tissue ρ (g/cm3) ρe rel. to Zeff CT-values (HU)
water (80 ... 140) kV
human tissues
Represent the real tissues regarding their physical density
}  Lung (deflated) 1.05 1.04 7.5 48 ... 44
and electron density Lung (inflated) 0.26 0.25 7.5 -740
} In accordance with ICRU reports 44 and 46 Lymph 1.03 1.03 7.5 31 ... 28
Customizable: different densities or CT-values (HU) and
}  Muscle 1.05 1.04 7.4 45 ... 42
different shapes and designs
Ovary 1.05 1.04 7.5 48 ... 45
Pancreas 1.04 1.03 7.3 31 ... 32
All tissue equivalents mimic the physical X-ray attenuation
properties of the human organs and represent the real tissues Skeleton- 1.1 1.08 7.9 116 ... 98
regarding their physical density and electron density (acc. to cartilage
ICRU Report 44 and 46). Skeleton- 0.98 0.98 6.2 -70 ... -28
Remarkably, bones in the high-density range also provide yellow marrow
realistic tissue simulation. Skeleton- 1.03 1.02 7.0 4 ... 14
red marrow
Electron density, effective atomic number and elemental Skeleton- 1.18 1.15 9.8 392 ... 258
composition can be provided on demand. spongiosa
Skeleton-femur 1.33 1.28 11.1 762 ... 495
Our standard materials (see Table) include various ICRU
Skeleton-humerus 1.46 1.39 11.7 1032 ... 678
Tissues as well as solid water-equivalent material. Additional
tissue-equivalent materials are available upon request. Skeleton-mandible 1.68 1.58 12.5 1516 ... 998
Skeleton-cortical 1.68 1.78 13.2 2083 ... 1366
ICRU Tissue ρ (g/cm )
3
ρe rel. to Zeff CT-values (HU) bone
water (80 ... 140) kV

Water 1 1 7.4 0 Besides the standard dimensions (rods or slab, see specifica-
Adipose 0.95 0.95 6.3 -95 ... -70 tions), all materials can be manufactured in various shapes as
Skin 1.09 1.08 7.3 71 ... 75 rods, slaps, cubes, spheres, and custom designs. Therefore,
our materials are ideal for custom phantom design as well as
Brain 1.04 1.03 7.4 40 ... 37
single samples dedicated to calibration and research purposes
Breast 1.02 1.01 6.9 -9 ... 3 in diagnostic X-ray imaging and radiation therapy.
(fibroglandular)
Breast (50/50) 0.96 0.96 6.7 -70 ... -53 Furthermore, we design materials which exhibit specific ener-
Eye lens 1.07 1.05 7.2 45 ... 50 gy-dependent CT-values (defined by the customer).
Blood (whole) 1.06 1.05 7.5 60 ... 55
GI tract (intestine) 1.03 1.02 7.4 22 ... 23 Specification
ICRU Soft tissue/bone rod (QRM-30101, QRM-30102)
Heart (blood filled) 1.06 1.05 7.5 60 ... 55
Diameter 20 mm
Kidney 1.05 1.04 7.4 45 ... 43 Height 100 mm
Liver 1.06 1.05 7.5 56 ... 53
Spleen 1.06 1.05 7.5 57 ... 54 ICRU Soft tissue/bone slab (QRM-30101, QRM-30102)
Testis 1.04 1.03 7.4 37 ... 35 Dimension 300 mm x 300 mm x 10 mm
Thyroid 1.05 1.04 7.9 112 ... 73
Ordering Information
Please contact qrmphantoms@[Link]

42
CTIodine

A solid material produced using a

base (e.g. water, blood, or liver) with
molecularly bound iodine

} Solid material optimized for 80 kVp to 140 kVp

} Used in CT and other X-ray imaging modalities

Contrast enhancement is an important issue in diagnostic

imaging, such as Dual Energy applications in Computed
Tomography (CT). CTIodine replaces iodinated contrast media
in water or blood for contrast enhancement applications in
diagnostic X-ray procedures and provides equivalent proper-
ties to iodinated contrast media. Optimized for the diagnostic
X-ray energy range from 80 kV to 140 kV. It is available
based on CTwater, blood equivalent resin and standard resin.

While the concentration of liquid contrast media is given in

mg iodine/cm³, CTIodine based on CTwater is given in the
same way (mg iodine/cm³) but as a solid and easy-to-use
material.

Different concentrations of iodine or CT-numbers (HU) are

available upon request.

Specification
Following base materials can be selected:
- CTwater
- Blood-equivalent material
- ICRU Tissue-equivalent materials

Ordering Information
Please contact qrmphantoms@[Link]

43
Notes

44
Dosimetry Phantoms
} CTDI CTwater Phantom  46

} Thorax and Abdomen Dosimetry Phantom 47

} Extension Rings 48

45
CTDI CTwater Phantom

Water-equivalent dosimetry phantoms,

traced back on the standards for CTDI
evaluation in Computed Tomography
(CT/CBCT)

For CTDI measurements in accordance with IEC / DIN EN

}  Specification
61223-3-5 and IEC 61223-2-44 CTDI CTwater Phantom (QRM-40100):
Different adapter plugs available for diverse pencil shaped
}  Phantom diameter (body) Ø 320 mm
ion chambers Phantom diameter (head) Ø 160 mm
Phantom height 150 mm
The phantoms are manufactured from CTwater, a proprietary Borehole diameter Ø 13 mm
resin which exhibits the same X-ray attenuation character- Center position of 10 mm from phantom’s margin
istics as liquid water in the range of 80 kV to 140 kV tube peripheral holes
voltage. Body material CTwater

There are two different versions available, both in a modular Oval CTDI CTwater Phantom (QRM-40101):
design with a removable head phantom fitting tightly into a Phantom dimension (body) 380 mm x 220 mm
circular body (QRM-40100) or oval body (QRM-40101, spe- Phantom diameter (head) Ø 160 mm
cially designed to mimic the human body shape). Phantom height 150 mm
Borehole diameter Ø 13 mm
The phantoms are designed according to the guidelines for Center position of 10 mm from phantom’s margin
CTDI measurements (IEC 61223-3-5 and IEC 60601-2-44) peripheral holes
and are equipped with nine dose bore holes. The head cyl- Body material CTwater
inder offers one central and four peripheral holes to accom-
modate standard ion chambers. The body has four peripheral Ordering Information
bores. The phantom is delivered with nine CTwater solid rods QRM-40100 CTDI CTwater Phantom
to plug the holes not in use, and one adapter plug to house QRM-40101 Oval CTDI CTwater Phantom
a standard pencil shaped ion chamber.

More adapter plugs can be manufactured upon request.

46
Thorax and Abdomen
Dosimetry Phantoms

The (semi-)anthropomorphic Thorax

and Abdomen Dosimetry Phantoms
for optimization of dose protocols
in CT and CBCT applications
} Optimize dose protocols in CT/CBCT Ordering Information
} Dose bores according to CTDI specifications QRM-40104 Thorax Dosimetry Phantom
} D100 compatible QRM-40105 Abdomen Dosimetry Phantom
QRM-40106 Dose Insert D100
The phantoms can be traced back to the standards for CTDI
evaluation in Computed Tomography. Options
There are multiple standard cylinders for image quality pur-
The phantoms are optimized to house pencil shaped ion- poses available. The following D100 Insert are available:
ization chambers to measure dose length product (DLP)
and equivalent computed tomography dose index (CTDI) QRM-10108 D100 Soft Tissue Insert
in computed tomography (CT) and Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
applications. QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
Both phantoms include a D100 insert which can be easily QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
replaced by other D100 Image Quality inserts (see options). QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100
The phantom has 5 dose bores (5 plugs are included) are QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100
placed in accordance with CTDI specifications: 4 peripheral QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
bore holes and one central one. The center of all peripheral QRM-10113 Water Tank Phantom
bore holes is placed 10 mm of the phantom’s margin. They QRM-10107 Dual Energy Phantom, V2
have a diameter of 13 mm and can house an adapter to fit QRM-10123 Dual Energy Phantom, V5
your ion chamber. QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
If not otherwise specified, the phantom will come with an QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
adapter for a 9 mm ion chamber. QRM-10143 D100 CTwater insert, 8 boreholes
QRM-10146 Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100
The phantom height can be adjusted (e.g. 150 mm, 200 mm) QRM-40106 Dose Insert D100
upon demand. QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100

Specification
Phantom dimension 200 mm x 300 mm Further, there are extension rings available to mimic obese
Phantom height 103 mm patients:
Phantom weight 2.7 kg (Thorax), 3.2kg (Abdomen),
0.9 kg (Insert) QRM-40113 Ion chamber adapter D13
Diameter of borehole 100 mm QRM-40107 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
Phantom materials: QRM-40108 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
Body/Insert material Soft tissue-equivalent, QRM-40109 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV QRM-40110 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, M
Lung approx. -800 HU at 120 kV QRM-40111 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, L
Liver/Spleen tissue-equivalent, QRM-40112 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, XL
approx. 60 HU at 120 kV
Spine corticalis / spongiosa, bone-like,
approx. 550 HU / 200 HU at
120 kV

For further information please visit [Link].

47
Extension Rings

The Dosimetry Extension Rings for the

simulation of obese patients that fit
on the standart phantoms such as the
Thorax, Abdomen and Liver Nodule
Phantom

} To simulate obesity of patients Ordering Information

} Compatible with standard phantoms QRM-40107 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
} Available in soft tissue-, fat- or water-equivalent QRM-40108 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
} Dosimetry option with available QRM-40109 Dosimetry Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
QRM-40110 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, M
Our Extension Rings are a good choice for testing the QRM-40111 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, L
influences/impact of higher attenuation due to an increased QRM-40112 Dosimetry Extension Ring Fat, XL
abdominal or chest girth on image quality in CT and other
3D imaging techniques.
To mimic different degrees of obesity the Extension Rings All Extension Rings are also available without bore holes for
are available in sizes M, L and XL. Further, you can choose dosimetry:
between tissue-equivalent and fat-equivalent material for all
ring sizes. QRM-20104 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, M
QRM-20105 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, L
Upon request all rings can be manufactured from other ma- QRM-20106 Extension Ring Soft Tissue, XL
terials (e.g. water-equivalent material). QRM-20107 Extension Ring Fat, M
QRM-20108 Extension Ring Fat, L
Specification QRM-20109 Extension Ring Fat, XL
Extension Ring M:
Outside dimensions 250 mm x 350 mm
Inside dimensions 200 x 300 mm Options
Height 103 mm QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
QRM-20103 Calcium Scoring Phantom Set
Extension Ring L: QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
Outside dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm QRM-20119 Liver Nodule Phantom
Inside dimensions 200 mm x 300 mm QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
Height 103 mm QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater

Extension Ring XL:

Outside dimensions 450 mm x 600 mm
Inside dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm
Height 103 mm

Please note: The XL Extension Ring has to be used in combi-

nation with the Extension Ring in size L.

Body materials Soft tissue-equivalent,

approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
Fat-equivalent,
approx. -(70 ... 90) HU at 120 kV

48
Bone Densitometry Phantoms
} European Spine Phantom (ESP)  50

} European Forearm Phantom (EFP)  51

} Forearm Phantom (BMF)  52

} DXA Spine QA Phantom, 3 HA 53

} Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 54

} Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 55

} HIP Calibration Phantom, V2 56

} DXA Femur Phantom 57

} JIS Forearm Phantom 58

} JIS Heel Phantom 59

49
European Spine Phantom
(ESP)

The standard phantom for quality con-

trol in spine bone mineral densitometry
by DXA and qCT

International standard in spine bone mineral densitometry

}  Specification
by DXA and qCT Phantom dimension 260 mm x 180 mm
} Must-have for multi-center studies or single place testing Phantom height 110 mm
} Three vertebrae with different bone mineral content Phantom weight 4.3 kg
Body material Water-equivalent material
The European Spine Phantom (ESP) with its anthropomorphic (CTwater), 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
design is the ideal tool for quality control tests of bone min- Phantom accuracy All CaHA materials are within
eral densitometry in DXA and qCT. ± 5% of specified values
Accuracy of calibrated area BMD: ± 5 mg/cm2
The phantom is the standard for quality control - accuracy values vol. BMD: ± 2 mg/cm3
and repeatability - BMD quantification of the spine for more
than two decades. Its closely anthropomorphic design with Vertebra Specified DXA area Cortical wall Spinal
three internal lumbar vertebrae inserts allows to utilize stan- vol. BMD BMD (AP) and spinal processes
Spongiosa (g CaHA/cm²) arch (g CaHA/cm³)
dard patient protocols, both, in DXA and qCT. (g CaHA/cm³) (g CaHA/cm³)

L1 0.05 0.5 0.4 0.4

The main body of the phantom consists of water-equivalent
material. The three lumbar spine inserts contain different L2 0.1 1 0.8 0.4
well-defined amounts of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) to L3 0.2 1.5 0.8 0.4
cover the entire physiological range of spongious and cortical
Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values
1
bone densities of all age groups.

Each phantom is separately calibrated to the reference stan- Ordering Information

dard ESP, containing analytically determined bone mineral QRM-50100 European Spine Phantom (ESP)
densities.

It allows checking reproducibility and accuracy of the follow-

ing quantities:
- Area bone mineral density (area BMD) in g/cm² for DXA
- Trabecular and cortical volume bone mineral density (vol.
BMD) in g/cm³ for qCT
- Cortical thickness in mm for qCT
- Positioning accuracy in qCT

Extension rings in different sizes to mimic obese patients are

available upon request.

For further information please visit [Link].

50
European Forearm Phantom
(EFP)

An excellent tool for the standard

quality control checks of peripheral bone
mineral densitometry in quantitative
computed tomography (qCT)

The standard phantom for the quality control checks of

}  Specification
peripheral bone mineral densitometry in qCT Phantom dimension 60 mm x 40 mm
Test reproducibility and accuracy in clinical installations
}  Phantom height 60 mm
and at manufacturers’ sites Phantom weight 140 g
Multiple trabecular bone inserts embedded in wa-
}  Body material Water-equivalent material
ter-equivalent plastic (CTwater), 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
Phantom accuracy All CaHA materials are within
The phantom is especially designed for testing peripheral ± 5% of specified values.
bone densitometry systems and provides the opportunity to Accuracy of calibrated ± 2 mg/cm³
test reproducibility and accuracy of machines, both, in clinical vBMD
installations and at manufacturers’ sites.
Insert Spongious bone Cortical Inner Outer Height
It consists of water- and bone-equivalent solid materials - the Section with specified vBMD bone, Dia- Dia- (mm)
(mg CaHA/cm³) vBMD meter meter
same materials used in the European Spine Phantom (ESP, (mg (mm) (mm)
QRM-50100). Therefore, it not only allows a comparison CaHA/
between trabecular bone examinations at different locations cm³)

and on different machines, but also to compare axial and I 200 800 25.6 28 15
peripheral bone measurements. II 100 800 18.6 19.8 15
III 50 800 11.6 14 15
A circular cross-section with flattened sides was chosen to
IV Water-equivalent 800 5 10 15
model the forearm. The inserts simulate trabecular bone and
provide the basis for linearity checks in qCT. There are two V Water-equivalent 800 12 14 45
inserts with multiple sections mimicking large, medium and VI Water-equivalent 800 5 10 15
small bone with different calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) den-
1
Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values
sities (according to the ESP).
The bone-like structure is completed with a thin cortical wall
surrounding each section. Ordering Information
QRM-50111 European Forearm Phantom (EFP)
The following quantities can be determined:
- Spongiouse/trabecular and cortical volume bone mineral
density (vBMD) in g/cm³
- Thickness of cortical bone in mm
- Measures of bone equivalent inserts
- Bone Mineral Content (BMC)

51
Forearm Phantom (BMF)

A convenient tool for quantitative

Computed Tomography (qCT) measure-
ments of the forearm to calibrate CT
values to Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

} BMD phantom for qCT of the forearm

Bone- and water-equivalent inserts embedded in a soft
} 
tissue-equivalent resin
Optimized design allows placement directly under the
} 
object

It was developed for calibrating CT values to BMD. Its opti-

mized design adapted to the anatomy of an adult forearm
allows to place the phantom directly between the forearm
and the CT couch.

It consists of two solid cylindrical inserts of water-equiv-

alent and bone-equivalent material embedded in a soft
tissue-equivalent plastic. The bone-equivalent inserts are
enriched with CaHA (calcium hydroxyapatite) and have a
specified bone mineral density of 0 and 200 mg CaHA/cm³.

Specification
Phantom dimension 70 mm x 25 mm
Phantom height 150 mm
Phantom weight 225 g
Body material soft tissue-equivalent plastic

Inserts
Diameter 14 mm
Height 150 mm
Center-to-center distance 28 mm
between two inserts
Material Water-equivalent1, CTwater,
approx. 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV
Bone-like2, 200 mg CaHA/cm³

Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values

1

Specified values. Nominal values can vary with respect to manufacturing method
2

and imaging device

Ordering Information
QRM-50112 Forearm Phantom (BMF)

52
DXA Spine QA Phantom,
3 HA

A valuable tool for the quality assur-

ance of DXA Bone Mineral Density
Measurements of the spine

Vertebra DXA area density (AP) (g CaHA/cm²)

} Quality assurance of DXA measurements of the spine
} Cost-effective design L1 0.5
} 3 vertebrea with different CaHA densities L2 1
L3 1.5
It is specially designed for quality control (e.g. constancy
and acceptance tests) and stability monitoring of dual X-ray
absorptiometry (DXA) devices. Based on the well-established Ordering Information
European Spine Phantom, the DXA Spine QA Phantom QRM-50110 DXA Spine QA Phantom, 3 HA
comes with a simplified and cost-effective design of the
vertebrae. It includes three vertebrea with different CaHA
densities consisting of water-equivalent material enriched
with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) of appropriate grain size.

Using the DXA Spine QA phantom the areal Bone Mineral

Density (aBMD) can be easily determined in AP and lateral
projections.

Each phantom is separately calibrated to the QRM reference

standard, containing analytically confirmed bone mineral
densities.

The following quantities can be assessed:

- Bone mineral content (BMC) in g
- Area bone mineral density (aBMD) in g/cm² for DXA AP and
lateral projections
- Projected area (A) in cm²

Specification
Phantom dimension 260 mm x 180 mm (± 2 mm)
Phantom height 110 mm
Phantom weight 4.3 kg
Body material soft tissue-equivalent at 120 kV
Phantom accuracy All HA materials are within ± 5%
of specified values
Accuracy of calibrated ± 5 mg/cm2
aBMD

53
Bone Density Calibration
Phantom, 3

Perfect tool for HU vs. CaHA

calibrations with respect to Bone
Mineral Densitometry evaluation

Model Insert 1 HA Insert 2 HA Insert 3 HA Height Insert

} Measure bone mineral density (BMD) with quantitative CT
specified specified specified (mm) Diameter
} Perform HU vs. CaHA (mg CaHA/ (mg CaHA/ (mg CaHA/ (mm)
} For different regions such as shoulder, spine, hip, femur cm³) cm³) cm³)
} Place directly under test object with easy-to-use design QRM- 100 0 200 200 18
50115
The Bone Density Calibration Phantom is a convenient tool to QRM- 100 0 200 300 18
calibrate HU vs. CaHA with respect to bone mineral densi- 50118
tometry (BMD) evaluation.
QRM- 100 0 200 400 18
50120
The phantom houses three fixed cylindrical inserts providing
different bone mineral densities with well-defined concentra- QRM- 100 0 200 500 18
tions of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) of 0 (water-equiva- 50116
lent), 100 and 200 mg CaHA/cm³. The inserts are made of a QRM- 100 0 200 600 18
solid water-equivalent plastic (CTwater) enriched with CaHA 50117
of appropriate grain size and embedded in a proprietary soft QRM- 100 0 200 700 18
tissue-equivalent material. 50119

The flat and slightly bent design allows the most convenient
positioning of the phantom directly under an object on the Ordering Information
couch. This easy-to-use geometry of the phantom facilitates QRM-50115 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H200
the evaluation of the bone mineral density (BMD). QRM-50118 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H300
QRM-50120 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H400
Each phantom is separately calibrated to the reference stan- QRM-50116 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H500
dard BDC, containing analytically confirmed bone mineral QRM-50117 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H600
densities. QRM-50119 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H700

Other phantom lengths and CaHA concentrations are avail-

able upon request.

The BDC Phantoms with three inserts are ideally to be used in

combination with the HIP-QC120 phantom (QRM-50131) or
the Spine-QC120 phantom (QRM-50121).

Specification
Phantom dimension 120 mm x 25 mm
(slightly bent)
Body material soft tissue-equivalent at 120 kV
Phantom accuracy All CaHA materials are within
± 5% of specified values
Accuracy of calibrated ± 2 mg/cm³
vBMD

54
Bone Density Calibration
Phantom, 6

Perfect tool for HU vs. CaHA

calibrations with respect to Bone
Mineral Densitometry evaluation

Model Insert 1 HA Insert 2 HA Insert 3 HA Height Insert

} Measure bone mineral density (BMD) with quantitative CT
specified specified specified (mm) Dia-
} Perform HU vs. CaHA (mg CaHA/ (mg CaHA/ (mg CaHA/ meter
} For different regions such as shoulder, spine, hip, femur cm³) cm³) cm³) (mm)
} Place directly under test object with easy-to-use design QRM- 0 100 200 200 18
50124
The Bone Density Calibration Phantom is a convenient tool to
calibrate HU vs. CaHA with respect to bone mineral densi- QRM- 0 100 200 300 18
tometry (BMD) evaluation. 50125

QRM- 0 100 200 400 18

The phantom houses six cylindrical inserts providing different
50129
bone mineral densities with well-defined concentrations of
calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) of 0 (water-equivalent), 100, QRM- 0 100 200 500 18
200, 400, 600, 800 mg CaHA/cm³. The inserts are made of a 50126
solid water-equivalent plastic (CTwater) enriched with CaHA
of appropriate grain size and embedded in a proprietary soft QRM- 0 100 200 600 18
tissue-equivalent material. 50127

QRM- 0 100 200 700 18

The flat and slightly bent design allows most convenient 50128
positioning of the phantom directly under an object on the
couch. This easy-to-use geometry of the phantom facilitates Model Insert 4 HA Insert 5 HA Insert 6 HA Height Insert
the evaluation of the bone mineral density (BMD). specified specified specified (mm) Dia-
(mg CaHA/ (mg CaHA/ (mg CaHA/ meter
cm³) cm³) cm³) (mm)
Each phantom is separately calibrated to the reference stan-
QRM- 400 600 800 200 18
dard BDC, containing analytically confirmed bone mineral
50124
densities.
QRM- 400 600 800 300 18
Other phantom lengths and CaHA concentrations are avail- 50125
able upon request. QRM- 400 600 800 400 18
50129
Specification QRM- 400 600 800 500 18
Phantom dimension 225 mm x 25 mm 50126
(slightly bent) QRM- 400 600 800 600 18
Body material soft tissue-equivalent at 120 kV 50127
Phantom accuracy All CaHA materials are within
QRM- 400 600 800 700 18
± 5% of specified values
50128
Accuracy of calibrated ± 2 mg/cm³
vBMD
Ordering Information
QRM-50124 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H200
QRM-50125 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H300
QRM-50129 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H400
QRM-50126 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H500
QRM-50127 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H600
QRM-50128 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H700

55
HIP Calibration Phantom, V2

A convenient tool to evaluate the bone

mineral density (BMD) in quantitative
Computed Tomography (qCT) of the
hip/femur

Evaluate BMD in quantitative Computed Tomography

}  Inserts
(qCT) of the hip/femur
Two different cylindrical inserts with different bone
}  Insert Dimension Core Core Shell Shell
mineral densities Dimension Material: Dimension Material
Spongious
} Optional: customizable inserts bone

1 Ø 30 Ø 20 100 mg thick- 800 mg

The Phantom comprises a soft tissue-equivalent body and
mm, mm, CaHA/ ness CaHA/
two replaceable cylindrical inserts that simulate different
length length cm3 5 mm, cm3
bone mineral densities. The base material of the inserts is
100 mm 100 mm length
CTwater (water-equivalent material) enriched with calcium
100 mm
hydroxyapatite (CaHA) of appropriate grain size. The inserts
consist of spongious bone (with 100 and 200 mg CaHA/cm³) 2 Ø 30 Ø 20 200 mg thick- 800 mg
and a cortical wall (800 mg CaHA/cm³). mm, mm, CaHA/ ness CaHA/
length length cm3 5 mm, cm3
Different inserts with various BMD concentrations and metal 100 mm 100 mm length
implants to examine metal artifacts are available upon re- 100 mm
quest.
Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values
1

All CaHA materials are within ± 5% of specified values

2

Specification
Phantom dimension 360 mm x 160 mm
Phantom height 103 mm Ordering Information
Distance between inserts 200 mm QRM-50113 HIP Calibration Phantom, V2
Body material soft tissue-equivalent
(approx. 30 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1

56
DXA Femur Phantom

A convenient tool for DXA constancy

and acceptance tests

Represents a general proximal femur of a 55-year-old

} 
white female
} For DXA constancy and acceptance testing
} Anthropomorphic design

The anthropomorphic femur represents a proximal femur of

a 55-year-old white female. It is made of water-equivalent
material enriched with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) and
embedded in a tissue-equivalent (at 120 kV) matrix.

Its anthropomorphic design allows checking reproducibility

and accuracy of the following quantities:
- Bone mineral content (BMC) in g for DXA
- Bone mineral area density (aBMD) in g/cm² for DXA for
different areas of the femur (femural neck, great trochanter,
intertrochanteric region, Ward’s triangle)
- Volume bone mineral density (vBMD) in g/cm³ for qCT
- NHANES T- and Z-score

Specification
Phantom dimension 150 mm x 180 mm x 170 mm
Body material tissue-equivalent plastic at 120 kV

Ordering Information
QRM-50146 DXA Femur Phantom

57
JIS Forearm Phantom

A suitable tool for the performance

evaluation of X-ray bone densitometers
(peripheral bone type PF) acc. the
Japanese Industrial Standard JIS Z 49301

Performance evaluation of X-ray bone densitometers for

}  Type PF BMD inserts:
peripheral bone type PF Insert Quantity area BMD Dimen- Core Shell
In accordance with the Japanese Industry Standard
}  type (g/cm2) sion

JIS Z 4930 PF-1 2 0.30 Ø 15 Ø6 thick-

± 0.01 mm, mm, ness
It includes a soft tissue-equivalent plastic housing with a length length 4.5 mm,
density of about 1.07 g/cm³ and three different pairs of 90 mm 90 mm length
exchangeable inserts (PF-1, PF-2 and PF-3) with specified area 90 mm
bone mineral densities (aBMD) of 0.30 ± 0.01 g/cm² (low PF-2 2 0.60 Ø 15 Ø6 thick-
density, PF-1), 0.60 ± 0.01 g/cm² (medium density, PF-2) and ± 0.01 mm, mm, ness
0.90 ± 0.01 g/cm² (high density, PF-3). The inserts consist length length 4.5 mm,
of a soft tissue-equivalent core surrounded by an outer shell 90 mm 90 mm length
(cortical bone) with the appropriate bone mineral density. 90 mm
PF-3 2 0.90 Ø 15 Ø6 thick-
Specification ± 0.01 mm, mm, ness
Housing (consists of bottom and lid): length length 4.5 mm,
Cross section 100 mm x 70 mm 90 mm 90 mm length
Total height 40 mm 90 mm

Phantom weight 400 g

The Phantom is manufactured in accordance with the Japanese Industry Standard
1
Housing material soft tissue-equivalent at 120 kV
JIS Z 4930: 2011, chapter 6.1.2.

Ordering Information
QRM-50139 JIS Forearm Phantom

Other available phantoms designed according to the

Japanese Industry Standard are:

QRM-50140 JIS Lumbar Spine Phantom

QRM-50141 JIS Lumbar Phantom Block 50
QRM-50142 JIS Lumbar Phantom Block 100
QRM-50143 JIS Heel Phantom
QRM-50144 JIS Uniform Lumbar Phantom

58
JIS Heel Phantom

Suitable for the performance evaluation

of X-ray bone densitometers (peripheral
bone type PH) acc. the Japanese
Industrial Standard JIS Z 49301

Suitable for the performance evaluation of X-ray bone

}  Type PH BMD inserts:
densitometers. Insert Quantity Area BMD Dimension Core Shell
In accordance with the Japanese Industry Standard
}  type (g/cm2)

JIS-Z 4930 PH-1 1 0.20 Ø 30 Ø 20 thick-

± 0.01 mm, mm, ness
It includes a soft tissue-equivalent plastic housing with a length length 5 mm,
density of about 1.07 g/cm³ and three exchangeable inserts 50 mm 50 mm length
(PH-1, PH-2 and PH-3) with specified area bone mineral den- 50 mm
sities (aBMD) of 0.20 ± 0.01 g/cm² (low density, PH-1), 0.40 PH-2 1 0.40 Ø 30 Ø 20 thick-
± 0.01 g/cm² (medium density, PH-2) and 0.60 ± 0.01 g/cm² ± 0.01 mm, mm, ness
(high density, PH-3). The inserts consist of a soft tissue-equiv- length length 5 mm,
alent core surrounded by an outer shell (cortical bone) with 50 mm 50 mm length
the appropriate bone mineral density. 50 mm
PH-3 1 0.60 Ø 30 Ø 20 thick-
Specification ± 0.01 mm, mm, ness
Housing (consists of bottom and lid): length length 5 mm,
Cross section 170 mm x 170 mm (L-shape) 50 mm 50 mm length
Total height 40 mm 50 mm
Housing material soft tissue-equivalent at 120 kV

The Phantom is manufactured in accordance with the Japanese Industry Standard

1

JIS Z 4930: 2011, chapter 6.1.3.

Ordering Information
QRM-50143 JIS Heel Phantom

Other available phantoms designed according to the

Japanese Industry Standard are:

QRM-50139 JIS Forearm Phantom

QRM-50140 JIS Lumbar Spine Phantom
QRM-50141 JIS Lumbar Phantom Block 50
QRM-50142 JIS Lumbar Phantom Block 100
QRM-50144 JIS Uniform Lumbar Phantom

59
Notes

60
Micro-CT and Micro-PET/SPECT Phantoms
} Micro-CT Wire Phantom  62

} Micro-CT Multi Disk Phantom  63

} Micro-CT Contrast Scale Phantom 64

} Micro-CT Dose Phantom 65

} Micro-CT HA Phantoms  66

} Micro-CT Mouse Phantom 67

} Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom 68

} Micro-CT Slice Sensitivity Phantom 69

} Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, air or resin 70

} Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, NANO 71

} Micro-CT Water Phantom 72

} Micro-PET IQ Phantom, NEMA NU4 73

} Micro-PET Scatter Phantom 74

} Micro-PET Hot Rod Phantom  75

61
Micro-CT Wire Phantom

A perfect tool to evaluate the in-plane

spatial resolution of any micro-CT
system by measuring

For the assessment of in-plane spatial resolution of any

}  Ordering Information
micro-CT system QRM-70100Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D20, 10 micron
Easy investigation of the Point Spread Function (PSF) and
}  QRM-70101 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D20, 25 micron
Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) QRM-70102 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D32, 10 micron
Customizable: Different wire diameters, materials and
}  QRM-70103 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D32, 25 micron
positions can be provided QRM-70117 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D20, 3 micron
QRM-70118 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D32, 3 micron
The cylindrical design of the phantom includes two tungsten QRM-70130 Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin, D32, 25 micron
wires aligned parallel to the phantom axis of rotation. One QRM-70131 Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin, D32, 10 micron
of the wires is slightly positioned off-center, the second one QRM-70133 Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin, D20, 25 micron
away from the center in order to allow estimating image
quality in the periphery. The wires can be mounted in air or
be embedded in resin, both providing enough contrast for
evaluation of the PSF and MTF.

Dimensions other than those specified here can be produced

upon request.

Specification
Micro-CT Wire Phantom air
Phantom diameter 20 or 32 mm
Phantom height (inner) 40 mm
Phantom height (total) 58 mm
Phantom weight 7.5 g
Body material protective housing,
wall thickness of 0.3 mm
Wire material tungsten
Wire diameters 3, 10 or 25 micron

Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin

Phantom diameter 20 or 32 mm
Phantom height 43 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Body material resin (solid plastic)
Wire material tungsten
Wire diameters 10 or 25 micron

62
Micro-CT Multi Disk
Phantom

For testing cone beam artifacts

resulting from different reconstruction
algorithms in micro-CT systems

Convenient test object to check cone beam artifacts in

} 
micro-CT scanners
} Includes 1 and 3 mm high- and low-density circular disks
} Phantom design following Defrise

It is the test object for demonstrating artifacts (e.g. cone-

beam artifacts) originating from all kinds of approximate
reconstruction algorithms.

It consists of a stack of eight high-density circular disks

separated by low-density disks, such that the high-density
disks are equally spaced with 3 mm intervals along the axis
of rotation. The total density differences between high-and
low-density disks are about 0.2 g/cm³. The disk stack is
covered with 10 mm thick PMMA layers on both sides of the
phantom.

Specification
Phantom diameter 20 mm
Phantom height 49 mm
Phantom weight 19 g

Flanging outer layers

Body material PMMA
Thickness 10 mm for each side

High-density disk
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness 1.0 mm
Density 1.38 g/cm³

Low-density disk
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness 3.0 mm
Density 1.18 g/cm³

Tolerances ± 0.15 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-70104 Micro-CT Multi Disk Phantom

63
Micro-CT Contrast Scale
Phantom

A convenient tool for evaluating high

contrast materials in Micro-CT

Evaluation of high contrast materials in preclinical

} 
Micro-CT
} Scaling of CaHA (bone) and Iodine
} Customizable

It houses two centrally placed CaHA (calcium hydroxyapatite)

and iodine samples, i.e. the materials of highest interest in
small-animal imaging.

It allows the evaluation of the Contrast Scale Factor obtained

for a given substance concentration (specified in mg/cm³),
measured in Hounsfield Units (HU).

Dimensions other than those specified here can be produced

upon request.

Specification
Phantom diameter 32 mm
Phantom height 43 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Body material resin

Inserts:
Concentration
Iodine approx. 10 mg I / cm³
CaHA approx. 1200 mg CaHA/cm³
Density
Iodine approx. 1.13 g/cm³
CaHA approx. 1.9 g/cm³
Dimension
Iodine Ø 5 mm
CaHA Ø 5 mm
Height
Iodine 20 mm
CaHA 20 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-70105 Micro-CT Contrast Scale Phantom

64
Micro-CT Dose Phantom

A suitable tool to measure DLP and

CTDI using a standard pencil-shaped
ionization chamber

For dose measurements DLP (Dose Length Product)

} 
and CTDI (Computed Tomography Dose Index) on
Micro-CT systems
} Soft tissue-equivalent plastic
Central hole for standard pencil-shaped ionization
} 
chambers
} Customizable

The central borehole fits many standard pencil ionization

chambers with a length of 100 mm. An additional (remov-
able) plug is included.

Dimensions other than those specified here can be produced

upon request.

Specification
Phantom diameter 32 mm
Phantom height 120 mm
Phantom weight 105 g
Central borehole diameter 9 mm1
Body material soft tissue-equivalent plastic

Other hole diameters can be offered upon request

1

Ordering Information
QRM-70106 Micro-CT Dose Phantom

65
Micro-CT HA Phantoms

The ideal tool for micro-CT bone

mineral densitometry and calibrating
CT-numbers vs. CaHA values

Worldwide standard for measuring Bone Mineral Density

}  Micro-CT HA Phantom, D10 (QRM-70127)
(BMD) in small-animal micro-CT Phantom diameter Ø 10 mm
} Calibrate CT numbers vs. HA values Insert diameter Ø 2 mm
Provides accurate bone mineral density of CaHA for
}  Phantom height approx. 41 mm
in-vivo or in-vitro micro-CT bone calibration Phantom weight 35 g
} Customizable
Micro-CT HA Phantom, D4.5 (QRM-70128)
The five inserts provide most favorable densities of hydroxy- Phantom diameter Ø 4.5 mm
apatite (CaHA) for in-vivo or in-vitro micro-CT bone densi- Insert diameter Ø 0.8 mm
tometry. Phantom height 5 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Each phantom houses five cylindrical inserts containing
Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) in various densities ranging Micro-CT HA set of 5 single CaHA rods (QRM-70134)
up from 50 to 1200 mg CaHA / cm3. Besides bone density Insert diameter Ø 5 mm
calibration, the phantoms are also suitable for high contrast Phantom height 40 mm
resolution assessments.
Body material resin
Specification
Micro-CT HA Phantom, D32 (QRM-70107) Densities for all HA Phantoms:
Phantom diameter Ø 32 mm Specified HA (mg HA/cm3) Density ρ (g/cm3)
Insert diameter Ø 5 mm 0 1.13
Phantom height approx. 41 mm
50 1.16
Phantom weight 35 g
200 1.26
Micro-CT HA Phantom, D25 (QRM-70129) 800 1.65
Phantom diameter Ø 25 mm 1200 1.9
Insert diameter Ø 5 mm
Phantom height approx. 41 mm
Phantom weight 35 g Ordering Information
QRM-70107 Micro-CT HA Phantom, D32
Micro-CT HA Phantom, D20 (QRM-70126) QRM-70129 Micro-CT HA Phantom, D25
Phantom diameter Ø 20 mm QRM-70126 Micro-CT HA Phantom, D20
Insert diameter Ø 4 mm QRM-70127 Micro-CT HA Phantom, D10
Phantom height approx. 41 mm QRM-70128 Micro-CT HA Phantom, D4.5
Phantom weight 35 g QRM-70134 Micro-CT HA set of 5 single rods

66
Micro-CT Mouse Phantom

For the performance of image quality

tests at small-animal micro-CT systems

} Mimics the body of a small mouse

} Image Quality checks at small-animal micro-CT systems
} Different soft-bone-tissue inserts with different density

It mimics the body of a mouse and is specially designed to

perform image quality tests of micro-CT systems for small-
animal research. It consists of soft tissue-equivalent plastic
and several bone and organ inserts, as well as an aorta and
heart with a specific iodine uptake.

The two high contrast inserts are made up of different

concentrations of iodine. The two small bones consist of
calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) with a concentration of
100 mg CaHA/cm³ and the three large bones have 200 mg
CaHA/cm³.

Specification
Phantom width 32 mm
Phantom height 24 mm
Phantom length 40 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Body material soft tissue-equivalent

Insert Tissue Dimension HA/Iodine

Bone HA200 Ø 5.0 mm 200 mg

CaHA / cm³
Bone HA200 Ø 3.0 mm 200 mg
CaHA / cm³
Bone HA100 Ø 2.0 mm 100 mg
CaHA / cm³
Aorta I420 Ø 1.0 mm 15 mg I / cm³
Heart I100 2 mm x 1 mg I / cm³
4 mm
Liver Soft Tissue 2 6 mm x -
12 mm
Air Lung 6 mm x -
8 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-70137 Micro-CT Mouse Phantom

67
Micro-CT Low Contrast
Phantom

A useful tool for the assessment of the

low-contrast resolution of micro-CT
systems

} Evaluate low contrast detectability of micro-CT systems

} Customizable

The two available models contain cylindrical targets with

varying diameters of a specified contrast with respect to the
background. QRM-70108 model phantom houses four in-
serts of two different contrast levels (-4 % and -8 %), each in
two different diameters. QRM-70124 model phantom houses
nine inserts of three different contrast levels (- 3 % / -6 % /
-9 %), each in three different diameters.

Actual values vary slightly depending on scanner geometry,

calibration, and tube voltage.

Different sizes and inserts can be produced upon request.

Specification
Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom, V1 (QRM-70108)
Phantom diameter 32 mm
Phantom height approx. 41 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Body material soft tissue-equivalent resin
Low contrast inserts:
Inserts diameter 1 mm / 2.5 mm
Contrast levels approx. - 4 % / - 8 %

Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom, V2 (QRM-70124)

Phantom diameter 32 mm
Phantom height approx. 41 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Body material soft tissue-equivalent resin
Low contrast inserts:
Inserts diameter 1 mm / 2 mm / 3 mm
Contrast levels approx. - 3 % / -6 % / -9 %

Ordering Information
QRM-70108 Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom, V1
QRM-70124 Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom, V2

68
Micro-CT Slice Sensitivity
Phantom

A convenient tool for evaluating the

spatial resolution of micro-CT systems
by measuring the SSP, slice thickness
or axial MTF

Evaluate the spatial resolution of micro-CT systems by

} 
measuring the SSP (slice sensitivity profile)
} Houses 10 micron thick centrally placed gold foil
} Customizable

It contains a high-attenuating 10 micron thick metal insert

(Au foil) of 1 mm diameter centrally placed within the cylin-
drical phantom. The dimensions of the insert are tailored to
the nominal slice thickness of micro-CT scanners.

Specification
Phantom diameter 32 mm
Phantom height approx. 43 mm
Phantom weight 35 g
Body material soft tissue-equivalent resin
Insert (Au) diameter 1 mm
Insert (Au) thickness 0.01 mm

Ordering Information
QRM-70109 Micro-CT Slice Sensitivity Phantom

69
Micro-CT Bar Pattern
Phantom, air or resin

A perfect tool to assess axial and

sagittal spatial resolution of many
industrial and medical micro-CT
systems in a direct visual manner

Evaluate axial and sagittal spatial resolution in preclinical

}  Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, resin (QRM-70114)
and industrial micro-CT Phantom diameter 8 mm
} Provides high resolution contrast Phantom height 40 mm
Bar and point structures down to 5 microns (air, QRM-
}  Phantom material resin
70113 and resin, QRM-70114) Contrast of pattern silicon / resin
Corresponds to 3.3 to 100 lp /mm (air, QRM-70113 and
} 
resin, QRM-70114) Chip dimension 5 mm x 5 mm
Chip height 0.66 mm
It offers a good alternative to indirect methods to evaluate Chip material Silicon
spatial resolution in high resolution X-ray imaging modali-
ties. The phantom comprises two silicon chips with various Range of the bar and point structures on the chip (width)
bar and point structures, one aligned axial and one aligned (5 ... 150) microns (see Table)
perpendicular (sagittal) to it. Range of the bar and point structures on the chip (depth)
(70 ... 150) microns
The phantom is available in two versions: Resolution (100 ... 3.3) lp/mm
- optimized for industrial CT: with the chips mounted on a
slim support in a hollow (air-filled) cylinder (QRM-70113) Table: number of lines and dots per section
- optimized for small-animal micro-CT: embedded in soft Section Line width Lines per Dots (µm) Dots per
tissue-equivalent resin (QRM-70114) (µm) pattern pattern

A 5, 10, 25, 5
Each 5 x 5 mm² chip contains bar (trenches) and point 50, 100,
structures with a width of 5 to 150 microns. The depth of the 150
structures varies between 70 and 150 microns. The different B 5, 10, 15, 5 5, 10, 15, 18
structures on the chip are arranged over the chip in such a 20, 25, 20, 25,
way that the spatial resolution can be evaluated in a single 30 30
measurement both in the center and in the periphery of the C 5, 10, 15, 5 5, 10, 15, 18
image/chip. 20, 25, 20, 25,
30 30
The Micro-CT Bar Pattern resin (QRM-70114) is available in
D 5, 10, 25, 18
other diameters upon request. Besides, adapter/extension cyl-
50, 100,
inders are available upon request. Please note that the chips
150
are not intended to be used for planar radiography.
E 5, 10, 25, 5
50, 100,
For further information please visit [Link].
150
Specification
Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, air (QRM-70113) Ordering Information
Phantom diameter 20 mm QRM-70113 Micro-CT Bar Pattern, air
Phantom height 40 mm QRM-70114 Micro-CT Bar Pattern, resin
Phantom wall thickness 0.2 mm
Phantom material air / plastic
Contrast of pattern silicon / air

70
Micro-CT Bar Pattern
Phantom, NANO

A perfect tool to assess axial and

sagittal spatial resolution of many
industrial and medical micro-CT
systems in a direct visual manner

Evaluate axial and sagittal spatial resolution in preclinical

}  Table 1: Sections and structures on the chip section
and industrial micro-CT Section Description Pattern / Resolution
} Provides high resolution contrast 1 bar and point 1 to 10 µm
} Bar and point structures down to 1 micron pattern structures
} Corresponds to 500 to 50 lp/mm 2 a-d bar and point 1 to 5 µm
pattern in differ- structures
The phantom offers a good alternative to indirect methods ent orientation
to evaluate spatial resolution in high resolution X-ray imaging
3 slanted edge
modalities. The phantom comprises two silicon chips with
various bar and point structures, one aligned axial and one 4+5 36 actinomorphic going down from
aligned perpendicular (sagittal) to it. The chips are mounted star - test pattern 17.5 µm to 1 µm
on a solid plastic support. 6 point grid 10 to 2 µm points

Each 3 mm x 3 mm chip contains bar (trenches) and point Table 2: Line and point pattern
structures with a width of 1 to 10 microns. The depth of the Row Line thickness Lines per Dots (µm)
structures varies between 5 and 15 microns. The different (µm) pattern

structures on the chip are arranged over the chip in such a A 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 50 ... 250
way that the spatial resolution can be evaluated in a single B 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
measurement both in the center and in the periphery of the C 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 100 ... 500
image/chip.
D 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 100 ... 500
E 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
In addition, a slented edge and a so-called Siemens-star
(actinomorphic star) are placed on the chip. Specific mount/ F 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 50 ... 250
holder for your micro-CT system is available upon request.
Table 3: Line and point pattern
Specification Row Line thickness Line pairs/mm Points (µm)
Phantom diameter 5.4 mm (µm)

Phantom height 19 mm A 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 50 ... 250

Phantom wall thickness 0.2 mm B 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 50 ... 250
Phantom material air / plastic (tilt 90°)
Chip dimension 3 mm x 3 mm C 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Chip material silicon
D 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
Chip height 0.66 mm
E 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Contrast of pattern silicon / air
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Range of the bar and point structures on the chip (width) F 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 500 ... 100
(1 ... 10) microns (see Tables 1-3) 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Range of the bar and point structures on the chip (depth) G 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 500 ... 100
(5 ... 15) microns 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Resolution (500 ... 50) lp /mm (tilt 90°)

Ordering Information
QRM-70119 Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, NANO
For further information please visit [Link].

71
Micro-CT Water Phantom

The ideal tool for measuring noise,

homogeneity, and uniformity

Water-fillable phantom to measure noise and homo-

}  Micro-CT Water Phantom, D20 (QRM-70112)
geneity Phantom inner diameter 20 mm
} Bubble-free design: extra cavity for air bubbles Phantom height 62 mm
Different diameters available (D60 mm, D32 mm, D20
}  Phantom inner height 40 mm
mm) Phantom wall thickness 0.4 mm
Body material durable plastic or PMMA
The phantoms can easily be filled with water - bubble-free
due to the optimized design providing an extra ‘air’ cavity. It is recommended to use the phantoms with distilled water
(e.g. HPLC-grade).
They offer an intake/outlet screw in a convex closure head
such that they can be used in a rotating gantry or in upright Ordering Information
position. They provide a small cavity in the upper part, de- QRM-70110 Micro-CT Water Phantom, D60
taining air bubbles if used in a horizontal position, thus pro- QRM-70111 Micro-CT Water Phantom, D32
viding a bubble-free cylindrical space for the measurements. QRM-70112 Micro-CT Water Phantom, D20

There are 3 available models, all made of transparent low

density (1.0 g/cm³) plastic providing a high mechanical stabil-
ity.

Different sizes other than those specified here can be

produced upon request.

Specification
Micro-CT Water Phantom, D60 (QRM-70110)
Phantom inner diameter 60 mm
Phantom height 135 mm
Phantom inner height 110 mm
Phantom wall thickness 0.5 mm
Body material durable plastic or PMMA

Micro-CT Water Phantom, D32 (QRM-70111)

Phantom diameter (inner) 32 mm
Phantom height 66 mm
Phantom inner height 44 mm
Phantom wall thickness 0.4 mm
Body material durable plastic or PMMA

72
Micro-PET IQ Phantom,
NEMA NU4
For evaluation of the IQ, attenuation
accuracy and to perform scatter
corrections in micro-PET systems
in accordance with the NEMA
NU 4-2008 standard

Performance measurements of small-animals’ positron

}  Ordering Information
emission tomography (PET) QRM-70115 Micro-PET IQ Phantom, NEMA NU4
} Design in accordance with the NEMA NU 4-2008 standard
Measure image quality, accuracy of attenuation and per-
}  The NEMA NU 4-2008 report is not part of the phantom
form scatter corrections described here. It must be ordered separately at
[Link].
The NEMA NU 4-2008 standard proposes a standard meth-
odology for evaluating the performance of positron emission
tomography (PET) designed for small-animal imaging.

The phantom is made of PMMA and has a large cavity (Ø =

30 mm) in one half of the phantom that can be filled with a
radioisotope (hot region). This large cavity houses two sepa-
rate smaller cavities that can be filled with water and air (cold
regions). In the other half the phantom contains five small
cavities with different diameters (Ø = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm)
that are arranged circular around the longitudinal axis of the
phantom providing a connection to the first large radioiso-
tope-filled cavity (hot region).

Specification
Phantom (outer) diameter 33.5 mm
Phantom height 63 mm
Body material PMMA

Phantom cavities:

Hot regions - fillable with isotope:

Large cavity
Diameter (inner) Ø 30 mm
Height 30 mm
Group of 5 cavities arranged circular,
connected to large cavity
Diameter Ø 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm
Height 20 mm

Cold regions - fillable with water and air:

2 separate cavities embedded in large cavity
Diameter (inner) Ø 8 mm
Height 15 mm

73
Micro-PET Scatter Phantom

For evaluation of the performance of

positron emission tomography (PET)
systems in accordance with NEMA
NU 4-2008 standards

Performance evaluation of positron emission tomography

}  Micro-PET Scatter Phantom Monkey (QRM-70122)
(PET) systems for small-animal imaging Phantom diameter 100 mm
} Design in accordance with the NEMA NU 4-2008 standard Phantom height 400 mm
} Mouse, Rat, and Monkey size Phantom material high-density polyethylene (HD PE)
Borehole diameter 3.2 mm
The NEMA NU 4-2008 standard recommends a standardized Borehole position 30 mm off-center (parallel to the
methodology for evaluating the performance of micro-PET central axis)
systems designed for small-animal imaging. The scatter phan-
toms are suitable tools for the evaluation of scatter fraction, Ordering Information
counting losses and random coincidence measurements QRM-70116 Micro-PET Scatter Phantom, Mouse
of micro-PET systems according to this methodology. It is QRM-70120 Micro-PET Scatter Phantom, Rat
possible to measure the relative system sensitivity to scattered QRM-70122 Micro-PET Scatter Phantom, Monkey
radiation and to quantify the effects of system dead time
and the occurrence of random coincidence events at various The NEMA NU 4-2008 report is not part of the phantom
levels of source activity. described here. It must be ordered separately at
[Link].
Three different sizes are available, representing mouse, rat,
or monkey size. The phantoms are made of high- density
polyethylene.

The scatter phantom is delivered with PE tubes and adapters

(luer/lock) for connecting standard syringes.

Specification
Micro-PET Scatter Phantom Mouse (QRM-70116)
Phantom diameter 25 mm
Phantom height 70 mm
Phantom material high-density polyethylene (HD PE)
Borehole diameter 3.2 mm
Borehole position 10 mm off-center (parallel to the
central axis)

Micro-PET Scatter Phantom Rat (QRM-70120)

Phantom diameter 50 mm
Phantom height 150 mm
Phantom material high-density polyethylene (HD PE)
Borehole diameter 3.2 mm
Borehole position 17.5 mm off-center (parallel to the
central axis)

74
Micro-PET Hot Rod
Phantom

An excellent tool for evaluating the

spatial resolution of micro-PET and
SPECT systems designed for small-
animal imaging

Evaluation of the spatial resolution of small-animal

} 
micro-PET and SPECT systems
} Bubble-free design: extra cavity for air bubbles

The phantom is made of PMMA and is designed for a FOV

smaller than 40 mm. It consists of a cylinder that can be filled
with radioisotope. The top of the phantom contains an extra
cavity (bubble reservoir) that traps air bubbles to provide a
bubble-free cylindrical space for measurements. This extra
space prevents air bubbles from entering the scan area when
the phantom is placed horizontally in the scanner.

Two spacers can be used to align the resolution part in the

center of the phantom. The spacers can be replaced with two
full-body PMMA inserts to prevent excessively high signal of
the isotope inside the phantom.

Specification
Phantom (outer) diameter 35 mm
Phantom height 70 mm
Body material PMMA
Hot rod Insert (see table)
Hole pattern resolution 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0 mm
inserts diameter
Insert (outer) diameter 29 mm
Insert height 12 mm

Table:
Ø (mm) Quantity Center-to-center (mm)

0.6 43 1.2
0.8 26 1.6
1.0 19 2.0
1.2 13 2.4
1.5 8 3.0
2.0 6 4.0

Ordering Information
QRM-70121 Micro-PET Hot Rod Phantom

75
Notes

76
Radiation Therapy
} Comprehensive Electron Density Phantom  78

} Electron Density Phantom, D100  79

} CTwater slabs 80

77
Comprehensive Electron
Density Phantom
An excellent tool for the calibration
of Hounsfield Unit (HU) vs. electron
density of radiotherapy treatment
plans to optimize the dose delivered
to the patient (CT/CBCT)

} Calibration of radiation oncology treatment plans Standard Configuration

} Optimization of the delivered dose to the patient CTwater (2 pcs.)
Provides realistic tissue simulation and values within the
}  Lung I (inflated)
higher density range (bones) Lung II
} Further/multiple tissue-equivalent inserts are available Lung III
upon request Adipose
Breast (50/50)
The Comprehensive EDP phantom is ideally suited for the Brain
creation of a HU vs the electron density table for treatment Muscle
planning CT (4DCT). It consists of a water-equivalent body Liver
section and a removable/stand-alone head section with in to- Cartilage
tal 16 holes for exchangeable inserts that mimic real human Skeleton-Spongiosa
tissue regarding its physical and electron density according to Skeleton-Femur
the ICRU Report 44 and 46. Remarkably, the phantom pro- Skeleton-Humerus
vides realistic tissue also in the higher density range (bone). Skeleton-Mandible
Skeleton-Cortical Bone
The phantom comes with a protocol displaying physical den-
Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values
1
sity, electron density, electron density relative to water and
effective atomic number (other values are optional).
Ordering Information
The phantom is not only suitable for the high energy ranges QRM-90114 Comprehensive Electron Density Phantom
(MeV electron, photon, and proton therapy systems), but
is also a valuable tool for kV-energies in diagnostic imaging Options
(e.g. Multi-Energy CT). QRM-90115 CED - Rod D25/D10, Titanium core
QRM-90116 CED - Rod D25/D10, Stainless Steel core
Specification QRM-90117 CED - Rod D25/D10, Aluminum core
Body: QRM-90118 CED - Set 6 rods CaHA, 25 - 400 mg HA/cc
Phantom dimension 250 mm x 350 mm QRM-90119 CED - Set 6 rods Iodine, 1 - 15 mg I/cc
Phantom height 150 mm
Holes 8 pcs., Ø 25 mm
Head insert:
Phantom diameter 160 mm
Phantom height 150 mm
Holes 8 pcs., Ø 25 mm
Body material Water-equivalent (CTwater),
approx. 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1
Phantom weight 6.0 kg
Tissue-equivalent rods Ø 25 mm, height 150 mm

For further information please visit [Link].

78
Electron Density Phantom,
D100
An important tool for the calibration of
Hounsfield Unit (HU) vs. electron
density of radiotherapy treatment plans
to optimize the dose delivered to the
patient (CT/CBCT)

} D100 compatible Inserts

} Calibration of radiation oncology treatment plans Air (central insert, Ø 30 mm)
} Optimization of the delivered dose to the patient ICRU Adipose (Ø 20 mm)
} Provides realistic tissue simulation and values within the
 CTwater (Ø 20 mm)
higher density range (bones) ICRU Muscle (Ø 20 mm)
Further/multiple tissue-equivalent inserts are available
}  ICRU Spongious Bone (Ø 20 mm)
upon request ICRU Mandible (Ø 20 mm)

Accuracy ± 5 HU of specified values

1
It houses 5 exchangeable inserts providing different tis-
sue-equivalent materials. All tissue equivalents represent the
real human tissue regarding its physical density and electron Ordering Information
density (acc. to ICRU Report 44 and 46) which are of highest QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100
interest in radiation oncology treatment planning. Remark-
ably, the phantom provides realistic tissue also in the higher Options
density range (bone). QRM-20100 Thorax Phantom
QRM-20118 Abdomen Phantom
The phantom comes with a protocol displaying physical den- QRM-20115 Oval Body Phantom, Tissue
sity, electron density relative to water and effective atomic QRM-20116 Oval Body Phantom, CTwater
number (other values are optional). QRM-10141 Extension Ring CTwater, 160mm
QRM-10142 Extension Ring CTwater, 320mm
All materials are not only suitable for the high-energy range
(MeV electron, photon, and proton therapy), but exhibit
tissue-equivalency also for kV-energies in diagnostic imaging
(80 kV to 140 kV tube voltage).

There are several options available to be used with the D100

compatible QRM-90110 as, for example, the Oval Body
Phantom (QRM-20116) which provides a body-shape water-
or tissue-equivalent environment.

Specification
Phantom diameter 100 mm
Phantom height 103 mm
Phantom weight 0.9 kg
Body material Water-equivalent (CTwater),
approx. 0 HU at (80 ... 140) kV1

79
CTwater Slabs

A water-equivalent plastic that exhibits

the physical X-ray and mass attenuation
characteristics of liquid water

Quality assurance measurements and monitor calibration

}  Material
procedures Body material Water-equivalent (CTwater),
For high energy photon, electron, and proton dosimetry
}  approx. (0 ± 5) HU
(MeV) at (80 ... 140) kV
Also ideally suited for the diagnostic energy range (approx.
}  Homogeneity of the slabs ± 3 HU
0 HU at 80 KV to 140 kV tube voltage) Density (ρ) 1.03 g / cm³
} Customizable: can be molded into arbitrary shapes
Ordering Information
CTwater mimics the physical X-ray mass attenuation proper- QRM-90111 CTwater slab, 5 mm thick
ties of liquid water regarding its physical density and electron QRM-90112 CTwater slab, 10 mm thick
density. It can be used for high-energy photon, electron, and QRM-90113 CTwater slab, 20 mm thick
proton fields in radiation oncology (MeV), which makes it
suitable for the dosimetric evaluation of constancy tests in
radiation therapy, e.g. depth dose measurements.
Besides therapeutic energies CTwater is ideally suited for
clinical X-ray modalities due to its water-equivalency
(0 ± 5 HU) within the full diagnostic energy range of 80 kV
to 140 kV tube voltage.

The slabs exhibit long-term stability and can be produced

in a large amount with a high degree of homogeneity and
mechanical precision.

Custom chamber cavities and adapters for ionization cham-

bers are available upon request.

Specification
Phantom dimension 300 mm x 300 mm
Phantom height 5 mm (QRM-90111),
10 mm (QRM-90112),
20 mm (QRM-90113)

80
Codes of Practice
} 1 Introduction  82

} 2 CT Image Quality 83

} 3 CT Dose Index (CTDI) 89

} 4 Multi-Energy and Photon Counting CT 90

} 5 CT Value Calibration in RT Planning Systems 91

} 6 Bone Mineral Density 92

} 7 Pre-clinical Imaging (Micro-CT) 94

Disclaimer
Although the information in this document has been care-
fully assembled. PTW Freiburg does not guarantee that this
document is free of errors. PTW Freiburg shall not be liable in
any way for any consequence of using this document.

81
1 Introduction
This chapter aims to briefly explain the physics and the as- Safety warnings and instructions
sessment methods of image quality parameters for multiple Please read these safety warnings and instructions carefully
QRM-phantoms dedicated to various X-ray applications. For a before use and keep them well for your future reference.
more detailed description we recommend relevant literature,
e.g. (book) ‘Computed Tomography – Fundamentals, System 1. Do not place the phantoms in direct sunlight or near
Technology, Image Quality, Applications – Willi A. Kalender, chemicals. Make sure that the environment does not expe-
Publicis 2011’ rience abrupt changes in temperature or humidity.
2. Do not put the product on a cart, table, or desk, which is
Although this chapter provides the reader with a concise not stable, to avoid falling off.
overview for the evaluation of the X-ray system’s imaging 3. Do not clean the phantom with solvents. Just use a mild
performance, it should be noted that QRM phantoms are soap and rinse with clear water.
NOT registered as medical devices. Hence, the procedures 4. Transportation is only recommended if a transport case is
outlined in this chapter are recommended only for research available.
and development purposes and do not replace relevant pro-
tocols and publications and shall not be used for the accep-
tance tests and constancy tests of X-ray imaging devices used
for the diagnosis or treatment of patients.

82
2 CT Image Quality
Image quality parameters are of utmost importance for For the acquisition of the spatial resolution using the PSF
evaluating the performance of imaging systems and are and MTF as described above, phantoms with thin wires are
affected by different factors. The physics and the assessment commonly used.
techniques of the common CT image quality checks defined The spatial resolution along the longitudinal direction (z-axis)
in the literature, guidelines, and reports are briefly described can be investigated using slice sensitivity profiles employing
below. The models name of the appropriate QRM phantoms phantoms with thin high absorbing metal inserts.
for which these tests can be performed are indicated in each Alternatively/Similarly, instead of using the PSF, the 3D MTF
section. can also be calculated using the edge spread function (ESF)
obtained from measurements of phantoms including sharp
edges or spheres. Phantoms including such inserts hence
1. Spatial Resolution and Modulation allow to assess spatial resolution in all planes by evaluating
Transfer Function (MTF) the 3D MTF.

The MTF describes the capability of an imaging system to

resolve fine structures, i.e. its ability to show small details. Visual spatial resolution evaluation with
It is specifically defined for high-contrast structures. Basi- QRM Phantoms
cally, the measurements are carried out at high dose levels, - Use thin slices (approx. 1 mm slice thickness) and a suitable
such that noise in the image can be eliminated, allowing kernel, e.g. `standard` for regular scan protocols and `hi-res`
for low-noise assessments. Here, one has to evaluate spatial for high-resolution scan protocols.
resolution in the axial plane and in the longitudinal direction - Several line patterns shall be seen with distinguishable
(z-axis) as both quantities are affected by different quanti- bright bars and dark spacing between the bars. Read out
ties. The spatial resolution in the axial plane depends on the the corresponding spatial resolution (in lp/cm) of the small-
number of projections, reconstruction filters, pixel size, focal est resolvable structure from the phantom datasheet.
spot size, and detector size whereas the spatial resolution in - The smallest visible pattern determines the highest in-plane
the longitudinal direction depends on slice thickness, focal spatial resolution.
spot size and noise.
Example:
1 cm
The spatial resolution can be measured either directly by visu- 30 lp/cm corresponds to = 0.016 cm
2 · 30
ally determining the smallest resolvable pattern/structure, or
indirectly by calculating the point spread function (PSF) and
modulation transfer function (MTF). The PSF is a common
metric used for the indirect measurement of spatial reso-
lution. This two-dimensional (2D) mathematical function is
the response of the imaging system to a point source input.
While the PSF is defined in the spatial domain, the MTF is
a way to quantify spatial resolution in the spatial frequency
domain. Mathematically, the MTF is the Fourier Transform of
the PSF and has the unit line pairs per cm (lp/cm). When re-
solving fine structures there are several blurring mechanisms
(not discussed in detail here) which cause a loss of contrast
in the image. Generally, the contrast reduces with decreasing
structure size. The highest spatial resolution that can be
achieved for a given system is often specified/indicated by
the 10% value of the MTF, i.e. the spatial frequency, where
the achieved contrast has dropped to 10% of the maximum
value. This value serves as an objective quantity and can be
used to compare the spatial resolution of different imaging
modes as well as comparing the performance of different
imaging systems.

83
Figure 1: Cone-Beam Phantom CT Image (Test pattern sec- Figure 3: Wire Phantom CT Image - Resin, PSF and MTF
tion)

Suitable Phantoms
- QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
- QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic
- QRM-10131 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert
- QRM-10130 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic
- QRM-10136 Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert
- QRM-10104 Wire Phantom, resin
- QRM-10105 Wire Phantom, D100
- QRM-10138 Wire Phantom, air
- QRM-10114 Slice Sensitivity Phantom

2. L ow-Contrast Resolution and

Figure 2: 3D Spatial-Resolution Phantom CT Image (Hole Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR)
pattern section)
The low-contrast resolution describes how well an imag-
ing system can differentiate adjacent tissues/materials that
Suitable Phantoms have similar X-ray attenuation. The capability to resolve low
- QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert contrast features primarily depends on the noise level in the
- QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic image. A high level of noise prevents two objects from being
- QRM-10131 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert distinguishable resulting in poor contrast differentiation.
- QRM-10111 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom The main X-ray-tissue interactions are mainly Photoelectric
- QRM-10101 3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100 effect and Compton interactions, except for high-contrast
- QRM-10140 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100 structures such as bone. Primary photons lose their ener-
gy through scattering or absorption as they pass through
MTF evaluation with QRM Phantoms tissue. Differences in image contrast are the result of atomic
- Use thin slices (approx. 1 mm slice thickness) and a suitable number, electron density, physical density, or differential
kernel (e.g., `standard` for regular scan protocols and `hi-res` attenuation of X-rays through tissues of different thicknesses.
for high-resolution scan protocols). Further, use the maxi- In imaging systems, windowing allows image contrasts to be
mum available dose to reduce noise. visualized in grayscale. Low-contrast resolution is affected
- The ESF or PSF should be measured to calculate the MTF of by different parameters such as tube current, tube voltage,
the imaging system. Typical values for describing the per- beam energy, and contrast medium.
formance of scanners are 10% and 50% of the maximum
value of the MFT.

84
One important quantity to describe the low contrast detect-
ability is the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The CNR depends
on the differences in the mean HU values, CT#contrast insert and
CT#background, and the background signal noise, sbackground:

CT#contrast insert - CT#background

CNR = sbackground

There are two implications of the CNR:

1. F or features/structures of same size: the higher the CNR
the lower the discernable contrast.
2. For a given/fixed contrast value of different sized features: Figure 5: Detection of small low-contrast targets (arrows)
the higher the CNR, the smaller the detectable structures.

The CNR can be assessed with phantoms containing sever- Suitable Phantoms
al spherical (3D measurements) or cylindrical low contrast - QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
inserts (2D measurements) which provide different contrast - QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic
values and insert diameters. - QRM-10112 2D Low Contrast Phantom
- QRM-10100 2D Medium Contrast Phantom
Evaluation of the low-contrast resolution with - QRM-10109 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-10 HU)
QRM Phantoms - QRM-10110 3D Low Contrast Phantom (-20 HU)
We describe the assessment/evaluation of the low-contrast
resolution here using the QRM Cone Beam Phantom (Low
Contrast Section).
For the assessment of the CNRs of different contrast values
provided in the phantom only the largest inserts (seen as cir-
cles/disks) should be considered. Smaller inserts should only
be evaluated according to their visibility. Regions of Interest
(ROIs) smaller than the diameter of the insert should be used
to exclude cupping/edge effects from the analysis.

- Draw circular ROIs of appropriate size and place them with-

in the large inserts.
- For reference, place similar ROIs in the proximity of the
inserts, but at some distance from the phantom edge.
- Read out mean CT values within the ROIs and the signal
noise (standard deviation of the fluctuating CT values) of
the background and calculate the CNR.

Figure 4: Cone Beam Phantom Low-Contrast section CT Image

85
3. CT Value Accuracy (Linearity) CT Value Accuracy (Linearity) evaluation with
QRM Phantoms
After collecting/obtaining the projection data the 3D image Thick slices (approx. 5 mm slice thickness) and a soft kernel
matrix is calculated/reconstructed. The physical quantity shall be used to reduce the image noise. In order to exclude
affecting the intensity of the projection data and hence, cre- cupping/edge effects (in particular in the highly absorbing
ating the image contrast is the linear attenuation coefficient, bone insert) ROIs smaller than the inserts’ diameter should
μmaterial, of the irradiated material or patient. However, μmaterial be used to evaluate the HU values. Within this limit, the ROIs
is an energy- dependent quantity and, hence, the intensity should be chosen as large as possible to average over many
of the projection data depends not only on the material image pixels.
composition, but also on multiple other parameters as X-ray
spectrum (i.e. tube voltage), filtration, detector configuration, - Draw circular ROIs of appropriate size and place them in the
beam hardening etc. Further, the image contrast is affected scaling inserts
by the data processing, i.e. reconstruction kernel, pre-filtering - Read out mean CT values within the ROIs and compare
etc. In order to ensure the comparability between different them to data acquired in prior quality assurance checks/
scanners and protocols in the clinical routine, CT values (grey measurements.
values, CT#) are commonly quantified in Hounsfield Units
(HU). The Hounsfield scale is defined by setting the grey val-
ue of water to 0 HU and the grey value of air to -1,000 HU,
regardless of the used tube voltage or scan protocol. The CT
value of an arbitrary material is calculated as follows:
µmaterial - µwater
CT# = · 1000 HU
µwater

The HU-scale is used in all clinical applications and guaran-

tees comparable results regardless of tube voltage, filtration,
CT manufacturer etc.

Typical CT values are -300 HU to 100 HU for soft tissues,

300 HU to 2000 HU and higher for compact bone, and 100 Figure 6: CT Image showing CT Value analysis
HU to 600 HU for iodinated contrast media.

The stability/constancy of the CT values should be monitored Suitable Phantoms

regularly as part of the quality assurance. Consecutively - QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
acquired values should not deviate more than ±4 HU of the - QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic
mean value. - QRM-10131 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert
- QRM-10130 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic
Homogeneous phantoms containing different materials (e.g. - QRM-10136 Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert
bone, water, air) are standard tools for this purpose. CT value
linearity should be assessed separately for each protocol used
in the clinical routine.

86
4. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) Suitable Phantoms
QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
In imaging systems, there are several sources of noise as, for QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic
example, thermal noise in the detector or scattered pho- QRM-10131 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert
tons that do not pass straight through the tissue due to the QRM-10130 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic
Compton effect, but still contribute to the signal. QRM-10136 Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is a good metric to quantify

the image noise and hence, is particularly useful to specify/
assess the system’s performance. It can be calculated by com-
paring the mean signal amplitude, (CT#) (mean CT value), to
the image noise, sbackground (standard deviation of the fluctuat-
ing CT values) in a specific ROI:
(CT#)
SNR =
sbackground

The higher the SNR, the lower the noise in the image. The
SNR is directly related to the (low) contrast separation: the
higher the SNR, the better the low contrast separation (see
section 2.2)
The SNR is affected by various parameters. Generally, the Figure 7: CT Image showing SNR analysis
SNR is scales with the number of X-ray photons contributing
to the image. Therefore, a high dose favors a high value of
the SNR:

SNR a √ Radiation Dose

Further, high tube current (mAs), high tube voltage (kV),

increased slice thickness or voxel size facilitate a high SNR
while large patients or strong absorbing materials lead to a
reduced SNR.

Also the reconstruction kernel in imaging systems affects the

SNR and hence, the contrast separation. Bone filters provide
a low SNR while soft tissue filters provide a high SNR. For this
reason, smooth filters are used in soft tissue images, while
sharp filters are used in imaging high-contrast structures such
as bone.

SNR evaluation with QRM Phantoms

For an evaluation of the SNR uniform phantoms are used.
- Place the homogeneous section of the phantom at the
isocenter and scan the phantom with the scan protocol for
which the SNR should be evaluated using a slice thickness
of at least 2 mm.
- Draw a circular ROI of sufficient size (e.g. 30 % of the
phantom diameter) in the center of the phantom and
examine the mean CT value and the noise level (standard
deviation of CT values within the ROI).
- If necessary, repeat the measurement at several positions
within the homogeneous phantom, with different ROIs or
with different scan protocols, filters, reconstruction kernels
etc.

87
5. CT Value Uniformity (Homogeneity) 6. Geometric Accuracy

Uniformity is an important image quality parameter that In radiotherapy or interventional applications, treatments are
determines how uniform the CT values of a homogeneous based on the accuracy of the patient’s anatomy obtained by
test object are depicted in an [Link] to artifacts such CBCT, i.e. sensitively depend on the exact localization/spatial
as beam hardening, cupping artifacts or detector-specific positions of the internal structures. The treatment isocenter
issues that often arise in clinical practice, uniformity should and the imaging isocenter must match each other, and the
be inspected regularly to ensure that the CT value deviation reproducibility of the spatial positioning of movable internal
between the center and periphery of the image is not higher structures should be checked regularly. Different parame-
than the tolerances. The tolerance value is defined according ters such as reconstruction algorithms and spatial resolution
to international and national guidelines, and the difference in affect the geometric accuracy. While monthly geometric ac-
the mean CT values between the center and the periphery of curacy tests are recommended in Radiotherapy Units, annual
the image should not exceed ± 4 HU. The deviation from the controls are sufficient for dental and interventional CBCT.
baseline values should not exceed ± 2 HU.
Geometric accuracy evaluation with QRM Phantoms
CT Value Uniformity (Homogeneity) evaluation with - Use thin slices (approx. 1 mm thickness) and a suitable
QRM Phantoms reconstruction kernel, e.g. a regularly/frequently used scan
- Place the homogeneous phantom at the isocenter and protocol and high-resolution kernel.
scan the phantom with the largest dose (mAs) and most - Measure the dimensions of the holes at each position using
frequently used tube voltage. Use relative thick slices of at a ruler or equivalent tool of your DICOM Viewer to deter-
least 2 mm thickness. mine a distortion of the hole matrix. An overestimation of
- Insert several ROIs (central, top, right, bottom and left) of hole size depends on scanner settings and beam harden-
roughly 20 % of the phantom diameter in the axial image ing in the image. The holes may appear larger than they
of the homogeneous phantom and examine the mean CT are. Measure the positions of the holes within the regular
values to assess the homogeneity of the CT values within hole grid to uncover a distortion of the hole matrix in the
the image. periphery.
- Avoid placing the peripheral ROIs too close to the edge of
the phantom.
- Evaluate how much the mean CT values of the peripheral Suitable Phantoms
ROIs deviate from the value at the center. - QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
- If necessary, repeat the analysis using different ROI sizes - QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic
and locations, as well as slice thicknesses, scan protocols
and reconstruction kernels.

Suitable Phantoms
- QRM-10103 Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert
- QRM-10120 Cone-Beam Phantom, Basic
- QRM-10131 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert
- QRM-10130 Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic
- QRM-10136 Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert

Figure 9: CT Image showing image distortion analysis

Figure 8: CT Image showing homogeneity analysis

88
3 CT Dose Index (CTDI)
The Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI100) indicates The summation with index i accounts for all scanning
the air-kerma readings in mGy across a 100 mm long cali- sequences of the examination. Ni indicates the number of
brated pencil-shaped ionization chamber in CT systems. The simultaneously acquired slices, Nrot,i is the number of sequen-
CTDI100 is defined as the integral of the dose profile (z axis) tial scans or spiral rotations and Ti is the collimation (slice
along a line perpendicular to the tomographic plane (x-y thickness) in examination i. Ci is the mAs value of the ith
plane). scan. Typically, the standard value of 100 mAs is used for the
determination of the DLP.
1
∫
+50 mm
CTDI100 = D (z) dz
N·T -50 mm
The volumetric CTDI (CTDIvol) is another important metric
D (z): dose profile along the axis perpendicular to the axial/ used for dose evaluations particularly for helical CT scans
scan plane (z-direction) which takes the pitch factor into account. Each CT scan pro-
T: slice thickness tocol indicates the CTDIvol as part of the scan report. It is an
N: number of slices acquired per single axial rotation important indicator for comparing patient scans and proto-
cols during clinical routine.
Although the CTDI100 does not represent the patient dose It is calculated from the ratio of weighted CTDI over pitch:
and does not yield information about the radiation attenu-
ation within real tissue it is a important parameter for dose CTDIvolume = CTDI100,weight / pitch
comparison between different CT systems and scan proto-
cols. By default cylindrical PMMA phantoms (usually with
a diameter of 32 cm/16 cm for the adult body/head section CTDI and DLP assessment with QRM Phantoms
and 16 cm/10 cm for the pediatric body/head section) are -A  fter placing the phantom on the couch, it should be
used in clinical routine during the acceptance and constan- positioned accurately at the isocenter by using the internal
cy tests. However, for a more realistic investigation of the alignment lasers.
radiation dose , semi-anthropomorphic water-equivalent - Insert the 100 mm pencil-shaped ion chamber in the phan-
phantoms that exhibit the same x-ray attenuation properties tom (using the adapter) and connect it to the calibrated
as liquid water in for tube voltages of 80 kV to 140 kV can electrometer.
also be a useful tool for dose evaluation. -A  cquire the values first of from the central position and
then from the peripheral positions (top, right, bottom, left).
Since the chamber has a homogeneous response along its - S canning parameters (kVp, mAs, collimation, pitch etc.) are
axis, it not only integrates over radiation within the slice, but recorded for each scan protocol.
also detects scattered radiation along its entire length. The -D  uring the measurement of one position, all other bore
weighted CTDI (CTDIweight) more reflects the real absorption of holes must be filled with plugs
x-rays in the examined body and is an established metric to
quantify the dose. It is the weighted sum of the central and
peripheral CTDI values: Suitable Phantoms
- QRM-40100 CTDI CTwater Phantom
1 2
CTDI100,weight = CTDI100,center + CTDI100,periphery - QRM-40101 Oval CTDI CTwater Phantom
3 3
- QRM-40104 Thorax Dosimetry Phantom
where CTDI100,c is the CTDI measured in the center hole of - QRM-40105 Abdomen Dosimetry Phantom
the phantom and CTDI100,p is the average value of the four - QRM-20120 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, newborn
peripheral CTDIs. - QRM-20137 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 1 year
Even though the CTDI characterizes the particular CT system - QRM-20138 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 3 years
it is not a direct measure of the real patient dose as it de- - QRM-20121 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 6 years
pends on scan range, patient size and anatomy etc. - QRM-20123 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 12 years
- QRM-20139 Pediatric Thorax Phantom, 15 years
Therefore, the dose-length-product (DLP) is commonly con- - QRM-20125 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, newborn
sidered to estimate the patient dose resulting from a com- - QRM-20140 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 1 year
plete examination: - QRM-20141 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 3 years
- QRM-20142 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 6 years
DLP = Si CDTI100,weight,i · Ni · Nrot,i · Ti · Ci - QRM-20143 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 12 years
- QRM-20144 Pediatric Abdomen Phantom, 15 years

89
4 Multi-Energy and Photon Counting CT
Multi-Energy CT (MECT) the energy of the individual X-ray photons can be detected.
The linear attenuation coefficient and, hence, the CT value Therefore, photons can be sorted according to their energy.
depends on the material’s effective atomic number, effective Selecting appropriate energy thresholds possibly yields the
X-ray energy (poly-energetic spectrum) and mass density. separation of multiple contrast media or elements (e.g. Ca, I,
Therefore, in conventional CT imaging materials with dif- Fe, Gd) with a single scan. Being challenging at the moment,
ferent atomic numbers might appear with similar CT values this new technique paves the way to various new/future
at a particular tube voltage making material differentiation applications. For material decomposition, the CT values of
difficult. As the linear attenuation coefficient depends on the different materials at low tube voltage (e.g. 80 kV) is plotted
X-ray energy, this limitation can be circumvented by measur- against the CT value at high tube voltage (e.g. 140 kV).
ing at different tube voltages, i.e., different (poly-energetic) With this method, materials can be differentiated from each
spectra and the materials can be separated. This approach other according to their position on the graph.
is called Dual- or Multi-energy imaging. The most common Modern dual- or multi-energy or PC post-processing proto-
example is the separation of Calcium and Iodine, but recently cols offer the possibility to create so-called virtual non-con-
also other materials and contrast media gain importance (e.g. trast images or iodine/calcium maps which automatically
Gd, Fe, etc.). disentangle tissues rich in Iodine (or other contrast agents) or
calcium. These images can be combined to color-maps with
The basic principle behind dual- or multi-energy imaging is different colors indicating the presence of a specific element
the energy-dependence of the linear attenuation coefficient: in the tissue (calcium, iodine or other contrast agents).
the dominant interactions between X-ray radiation and
tissue occurring at the energies used in diagnostic imaging
are Compton scattering and Photoelectric absorption. As Multi-energy CT postprocessing and material
the tube voltage, and hence, the X-ray energy increases, the decomposition with QRM Phantoms
cross-section of photoelectric effect decreases, while the - Position the phantom accurately at the isocenter by using
Compton interaction gains importance. the internal alignment lasers.
- Measure the phantom with standard scan protocols and
In clinical practice, there are different technical approaches to evaluate different post-processing techniques and algo-
multi-energy imaging invlolving photon counting detectors , rithms regarding the correct material separation, concentra-
dual-layer CT, kV-switching or dual-source CT. All these mate- tion etc.
rial-specific imaging techniques provide valuable information - If necessary, repeat the measurement with varied positions
regarding the contribution, concentration, and chemical of the test rods (possible for QRM-10150, QRM-10147 and
composition of the materials in specific tissues and enables QRM-10139).
separate visualization these materials.

Suitable Phantoms
Photon-Counting CT - QRM-10150 Multi-Energy QA Phantom
Among all established approaches of Multi- or Dual-energy - QRM-10147 Spectral CT Phantom II
imaging, the new generation of CT scanners using pho- - QRM-10139 Spectral CT Phantom
to-counting detectors is particularly promising. - QRM-10123 Dual Energy CT Phantom, V5
X-ray detectors used in conventional CTs integrate over the - QRM-10107 Dual Energy CT Phantom, V2
energy of all radiation deposited in the detector, i.e. the
signal comprises all photons absorbed in the detector. By
contrast, X-rays absorbed in photon counting detectors are
directly converted into electrical signals and hence, counted
individually. Especially, it is possible to detect the energy of
the individually detected photons as the amplitude of the
electrical signal in the detector scales with the energy of the
incident photon. This new approach offers multiple benefits
with respect to conventional detectors.
Due to the way the new detectors are constructed, PC detec-
tors exhibit smaller pixels compared to conventional detec-
tors leading to enhanced spatial resolution. Further, as PC
detectors are not susceptible to electronic noise, high con-
trast-to-noise ratio, low dose and reduced image artifacts can
be achieved. The main advantage of PC technology is that Figure 10: CT# of Iodine and CaHA-enriched material

90
5 CT Value Calibration in RT Planning Systems
CT Value calibration in Radiotherapy Treatment Electron Density Calibration Curve assessment
Planning Systems with QRM Phantoms
In radiotherapy, it is crucial to deliver the prescribed dose to - Although the tissue-equivalent electron density rods can
the target volume with high precision. Therefore, different be arranged in various ways depending on the research
algorithms are used in treatment planning systems (TPSs), purpose, it is recommended to be place them according to
which take elemental composition, stopping power, and the manufacturer’s recommendation to minimize artifacts
electron density relative to water (ρwe ) into account when de- and achieve the best possible results.
termining tumor and OAR (organs at risk) dose distribution. - It is possible to compare results obtained in body geometry
In order to perform pixel-by-pixel heterogeneity correction (phantom body and head insert) and using the head insert
based on the estimated attenuation within the non-uniform as stand-alone phantom.
tissue, an electron density map is generated corresponding to - Place the phantom on the couch and insert the tis-
the CT values for all clinically used photon energies. Since the sue-equivalent electron density rods according to the manu-
predominant tissue-photon interaction at typical X-ray ener- facturer’s recommendation.
gies in CT is Compton scattering and Photoelectric effect, - Position the phantom accurately at the isocenter by using
the linear attenuation coefficient is considered to be pro- the internal alignment lasers.
portional to the relative electron density of the tissues. The - Acquire CT images within 3 different slices, one at centrally
electron densities are calculated from the mass density and within the phantom and two slightly off-centered (approx.
the elemental composition of each material. By scanning a ± 1 cm ). To have a good SNR, a 5+ mm slice thickness
phantom containing different tissue-equivalent materials with should be appropriate
known electron densities on the tomography device, the CT - Place ROIs withing the tissue-equivalent inserts and evaluate
values of each tissue-equivalent material can be determined the mean CT values. Use ROIs smaller than the inserts’ di-
and an electron density map (calibration curve) is created, ameter in order to exclude cupping/edge effects (in particu-
which visualizes the relation between the relative electron lar in the highly absorbing bone insert).
densities and the corresponding CT values. Treatment plan- - Create a calibration curve using the measured CT values
ning systems use the linear fitting equation for heterogeneity (average of three slices) and the corresponding electron
corrections. The linear fitting equation is adapted to the CT density relative to water (ρwe ) provided by the manufacturer.
models and acquisition parameters such as tube voltage,
mAs, reconstruction algorithms, filters etc.

Suitable Phantoms
- QRM-90114 Comprehensive Electron Density Phantom
- QRM-90110 Electron Density Phantom, D100

Figure 11: Relative Electron Density vs CT# (at 120 kV)

91
6 Bone Mineral Density
Osteoporosis is a condition that develops more rapidly in As the accuracy of the analysis, for both, DXA systems and
women after menopause than in men and increases fracture CT systems, is very prone to beam hardening effects, amount
risk due to bone mineral loss and decrease in bone structure. of adipose tissue around the investigated area, the exact
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, DEXA) is the most spectrum used, etc.
often used method to measure bone mineral density. The Hence, the actual value of the BMD can drastically vary be-
method has gained acceptance for screening osteoporosis tween systems. In addition, different manufacturers use their
patients. DXA systems are widely used in hospitals and med- own calibration methods which also lead to varying BMD
ical practices. values.
Quantitative CT (qCT) is beside DXA a standard method in Therefore, it is crucial to calibrate the CT or DXA systems
bone densitometry. Due to its ability to acquire 3-dimension- using phantoms containing well-defined BMDs.
al images and its higher image quality, bone mineral density
assessment is more accurate than DXA. Different body regions are commonly used for BMD analysis.
Regions of highest interest are the lumbar spine, and the
Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is the main component of distal forearm. Other areas of interest are the Hip-region, the
bone. Because of its relatively high effective atomic number femoral neck and the distal legs (heel).
(Zeff) and high mass density CaHA has a high linear attenua-
tion coefficient compared to soft tissues. This can be exploit- There are different phantoms available satisfying the re-
ed to measure the bone mineral density by methods such quirements of DXA or qCT (or both) for the different body
as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or quantitative CT regions mentioned above. In qCT, one can create a calibra-
(qCT). tion between CT values and BMD using specifically designed
phantoms. DXA systems can be calibrated by phantoms spe-
Dual energy absorptiometry is a planar X-ray technique to cially designed for DXA applications. Furthermore, there are
assess bone mineral density. Considering the X-ray attenu- phantoms that are suitable for a cross-calibration between
ation using two different poly-energetic spectra allows to different DXA systems (e.g. for multi-center studies).
separate the attenuation by bone from that of soft tissue.
In addition to the assessment of Bone Mineral Density in fe-
While DXA gives information about the area bone miner- male or male population, it is also possible to evaluate BMD
al density (aBMD) in g CaHA/cm2 , the volumetric density of small animals using Micro-CT systems. For more informa-
(vBMD) in g CaHA/cm3 can be acquired with qCT. Further, tion, please read the Micro-CT Section.
as 3D cross-sectional images are obtained, this approach
facilitates to evaluate the vBMD of cortical bone and trabec-
ular bone separately. Bone Mineral Density assessment with QRM Phantoms
in qCT
In BMD examinations, there are specific criteria determined - Position the phantom accurately on the couch in the de-
by the World Health Organization to assess the BMD which sired configuration.
are the T score and the Z score. The T score is the standard - Acquire CT images in the region(s) of interest (e.g. in the
deviation of the individual’s BMD value to the average BMD different vertebrae of the ESP). To have a good SNR, use at
of the young population of the same sex. This quantity serves least 5 mm slice thickness.
for the diagnosis of osteoporosis: a value above -1 implicates - Place several ROIs within the bone inserts (spongious/tra-
a BMD in the normal range, a T score between -1 to -2.5 in- becular part) and measure the mean CT values. Important-
dicates osteopenia (low BMD) and a value below -2.5 implies ly, use ROIs smaller than the inserts’ diameter in order to
osteoporosis. The Z score is the standard deviation relative to exclude edge effects.
the average BMD of the same age group providing a com- - Create a calibration curve (linear fit) using the measured CT
parison to the average population of the same age. values and the corresponding electron vBMD values provid-
ed by the manufacturer.
- This calibration curve can be used to determine the vBMD
value of any bone under investigation.

92
 Suitable Phantoms for qCT
- QRM-50100 European Spine Phantom (ESP)
- QRM-50111 European Forearm Phantom (EFP)
- QRM-50112 Forearm Phantom (BMF)
- QRM-50113 HIP Calibration Phantom, V2
- QRM-50131 HIP-QC120 Phantom
- QRM-50121 Spine-QC120 Phantom
- QRM-50137 Knee-QC Phantom
- QRM-50115 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H200
- QRM-50118 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H300
- QRM-50120 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H400
- QRM-50116 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H500
Figure 12: Cross-calibration example (ESP with BDC Phantom) - QRM-50117 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H600
- QRM-50119 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 H700
- QRM-50124 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H200
- QRM-50125 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H300
- QRM-50129 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H400
- QRM-50126 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H500
- QRM-50127 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H600
- QRM-50128 Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 H700

Figure 13: Example for BMD calibration curve

Bone Mineral Density assessment with QRM Phantoms

in DXA
- Position the phantom accurately on the couch in the de-
sired configuration.
- Acquire the aBMD using a standard examination.
- Compare the value of the a BMD to the one provided by
the phantom manufacturer

Suitable Phantoms for DXA and qCT

- QRM-50100: European Spine Phantom (ESP)

Suitable Phantoms for DXA

- QRM-50100 European Spine Phantom (ESP)
- QRM-50110 DXA Spine QA Phantom, 3 HA
- QRM-50146 DXA Femur Phantom
- QRM-50139 JIS Forearm Phantom
- QRM-50143 JIS Heel Phantom
- QRM-50140 JIS Lumbar Spine Phantom
- QRM-50144 JIS Uniform Lumbar Phantom

93
7 Pre-clinical Imaging (Micro-CT)
Micro-CT enables non-destructive material testing (NDT) at Assessment with QRM Phantoms
industrial sites and visualization and analysis of the internal The assessment methods explained above in the clinical CT
structures of small animals (mouse, rat, etc.) for preclinical part of this document can be applied to Micro-CT phantoms
research purposes. Depending on the desired application, as well. Therefore, please read the corresponding section for
there are various systems offering a wide range of possible clinical CT for more details of these different measurement
sample size and resolution. Nowadays spatial resolution in tasks. Instead of quantifying the CT values in Hounsfield
the sub-micrometer range can be reached. units, use the grey value scale of your Micro-CT.

In clinical CT scanners the gantry with X-ray tube and Suitable Phantoms for Micro-CT
detector rotates around the patient. In micro CT, there are Spatial resolution:
also other setups that can be found. E.g. the sample can be - QRM-70109 Micro-CT Slice Sensitivity Phantom
directly rotated around its axis (z-axis) between a fixed X-ray - QRM-70113 Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, air
tube and detector (mostly for industrial applications). By - QRM-70114 Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, resin
varying the distances between sample, detector and X-ray - QRM-70119 Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, NANO
tube the magnification can be adjusted. While rotating the - QRM-70100 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D20, 10 micron
sample, multiple projections at different angles are obtained - QRM-70101 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D20, 25 micron
and reconstructed in order to get a 3D image of the sample. - QRM-70102 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D32, 10 micron
- QRM-70103 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D32, 25 micron
Compared to clinical CT, the X-ray beam originates from - QRM-70117 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D20, 3 micron
a very small focal spot (microfocus) enabling the superior - QRM-70118 Micro-CT Wire Phantom air, D32, 3 micron
spatial resolution. - QRM-70130 Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin, D32, 25 micron
- QRM-70131 Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin, D32, 10 micron
Micro-CT systems are usually no medical devices and are - QRM-70133 Micro-CT Wire Phantom resin, D20, 25 micron
not calibrated to the Hounsfield scale. There are not strict-
ly pre-defined and calibrated scan protocols as in clinical Grey value accuracy (linearity):
systems, but rather various scan geometries as the user can - QRM-70105 Micro-CT Contrast Scale Phantom
adjust multiple settings (tube voltage, tube current, focal
spot, distance between detector, sample and X-ray tube, ac- Low-contrast resolution:
quisition time per projection, number of projections, etc.) in - QRM-70108 Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom, V1
order to get the best imaging result. Unlike in clinical devices, - QRM-70124 Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom, V2
there are no prescribed daily, weekly or monthly standard
quality assurance test procedures. Especially, due to the spe- Signal-to-noise ratio, Uniformity (homogeneity):
cific scan geometry (Cone-beam) and detector type (usually - QRM-70110 Micro-CT Water Phantom, D60
flat-panel detectors are used), Micro-CTs are very prone to - QRM-70111 Micro-CT Water Phantom, D32
image artifacts. - QRM-70112 Micro-CT Water Phantom, D20

Therefore, QA test procedures are essential to ensure Geometric accuracy (distortion) and post-processing
constant quality and comparability of results obtained at a techniques:
specific system or at several systems. - QRM-70104 Micro-CT Multi Disk Phantom (Defrise)
In principle, the image quality parameters/metrics and cali- - QRM-70137 Micro-CT Mouse Phantom
bration procedures recommended for Micro-CT systems are
the same as for clinical CT devices and can be assessed using Bone mineral density calibration:
high-tech phantoms specially developed for Micro-CT. - QRM-70107 Micro-CT HA Phantom D32
There are various phantoms available addressing different - QRM-70129 Micro-CT HA Phantom D25
tasks: spatial resolution (directly by line patterns or indirectly - QRM-70126 Micro-CT HA Phantom D20
by evaluation of the MTF), low-contrast resolution (CNR), - QRM-70127 Micro-CT HA Phantom D10
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), uniformity, grey value accuracy - QRM-70128 Micro-CT HA Phantom D4.5
(linearity), geometric accuracy, in-vivo or in-vitro bone miner- - QRM-70134 Micro-CT HA set of 5 single rods
al density calibration and dose evaluation (CTDI and DLP).
Dose phantoms (CTDI and DLP):
- QRM-70106 Micro-CT Dose Phantom

94
Product Index
Product Page Product Page
2D Low Contrast Phantom 12 High Contrast Resolution Phantom, D100 24
2D Medium Contrast Phantom 13 HIP Calibration Phantom, V2 56
3D Low Contrast Phantom 14 ICRU Tissues 42
3D Spatial Resolution Phantom 17 JIS Forearm Phantom 58
3D Spatial Resolution Phantom, D100 16 JIS Heel Phantom 59
Abdomem Phantom 29 Liver Nodule Phantom 33
Beam Stop Phantom 19 Lung Nodule Phantom 36
Bone 41 MAM Phantoms 25
Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 3 54 Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, air or resin 70
Bone Density Calibration Phantom, 6 55 Micro-CT Bar Pattern Phantom, NANO 71
Breast CT QA Phantom, Expert 11 Micro-CT Contrast Scale Phantom 64
Calcium Scoring Phantom, D100 23 Micro-CT Dose Phantom 65
Calcium Scoring Phantom Set 32 Micro-CT HA Phantoms 66
Comprehensive Electron Density Phantom 78 Micro-CT Low Contrast Phantom 68
Cone-Beam Phantom, Expert and Basic 10 Micro-CT Mouse Phantom 67
Cranial CT Phantom 35 Micro-CT Multi Disk Phantom 63
CTDI CTwater Phantom 46 Micro-CT Slice Sensitivity Phantom 69
CTIodine 43 Micro-CT Water Phantom 72
CTwater 40 Micro-CT Wire Phantom 62
CTwater slabs 80 Micro-PET Hot Rod Phantom 75
D100 Insert Phantoms 37 Micro-PET IQ Phantom, NEMA NU4 73
Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Basic 20 Micro-PET Scatter Phantom 74
Dental CBCT QA Phantom, Expert 21 Multi-Energy QA Phantom 6
Dual Energy CT Phantom, V2 8 Oval Body Phantoms 30
Dual Energy CT Phantom, V5 9 Pediatric Thorax and Abdomen Phantoms 34
DXA Femur Phantom 57 Slice Sensitivity Phantom 15
DXA Spine QA Phantom, 3 HA 53 Spectral CT Phantom (Set) 7
Electron Density Phantom, D100 79 Thorax and Abdomen Dosimetry Phantom 47
European Forearm Phantom (EFP) 51 Thorax Phantom 28
European Spine Phantom (ESP) 50 Water Tank Phantom 22
Extension Rings 31, 48 Wire Phantom 18
Forearm Phantom (BMF) 52

95
Phantoms for your needs.
PTW is a global market leader for dosimetry and quality Since April 2020 QRM is a subsidiary of PTW Freiburg GmbH.
control solutions in radiation medicine, serving the needs QRM looks back on more than 25 years of experience in
of medical radiation experts in more than 160 countries designing and manufacturing phantoms for medical imaging
worldwide. Starting with the famous Hammer dosemeter in modalities. QRM phantoms are professionally designed and
1922, the German manufacturer is the pioneer in medical manufactured with highest precision.
radiation measurement, known for its unparalleled quality
and precision.

For more information on QRM Phantoms visit [Link]

or contact your local PTW representative:
[Link]/en/contact-us/local-contact

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Quality Assurance in Radiology and Medicine GmbH PTW Freiburg GmbH

Baiersdorfer Str. 22 Lörracher Str. 7
91096 Möhrendorf · Germany 79115 Freiburg · Germany
qrmphantoms@[Link] Phone +49 761 49055-0
[Link] qrmphantoms@[Link]
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All trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
D987.211.00/00 2023-09