ALL-IN-ONE DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY X-RAY IMAGING PHANTOM

For image quality analysis in Innovus Technology Transfer (PTY) Ltd is Stellenbosch University’s wholly-owned technology transfer company. Contact Anita Nel, Innovus Chief Executive Officer, on (021) 808 3826 or general x-rays, fluoroscopy, send an email to [email protected] for more information. mammography and CT scanning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION VALUE TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION INNOVATION STATUS PROPOSITION/BENEFITS An imaging phantom is a specially designed object that can be The phantom will be manufactured from a hard, radio-translucent A South African provisional patent scanned by medical imaging devices such as x-ray machines or The all-in-one phantom will solve the problem of having plastic. It will contain layers of inserts, which are used to quantify application (no. 2015/01528) has been filed computed tomography (CT) scanners. Scanning the phantom allows to purchase, learn, and maintain different proprietary image quality. The phantom can be set up vertically for CT scanning. for this application. technicians to evaluate, analyse, and tune the performance of the phantoms and associated software for each imaging In this orientation, square blocks of different density materials, like imaging devices for optimal results. This process should be done device. The all-in-one phantom, associated software, tissue equivalent plastics, will be used to evaluate CT electron density regularly to keep devices working at their best. The phantom is used and comprehensive manual will allow users to evaluate linearity. Scribe lines and set-up balls on the phantom will allow lasers instead of a living subject or a cadaver because the phantom gives and tune the performance of their imaging devices to and zero-slice position checks. For low contrast detectability, square more consistent results and avoids unnecessarily exposing patients to ensure optimal results and the best care for patients. blocks of the same material but different sizes will be used. A excess radiation. It is essential that imaging devices are tuned to Specifically the phantom will allow qualitative and centrally placed bead will be used to evaluate resolution with ensure accurate, clear results and avoid misdiagnoses and oversights. quantitative tests of resolution, contrast, and noise modulation transfer function (MTF) calculations. The phantom can be across several types of imaging requirements including set up horizontally for planar imaging, i.e. general x-rays, Phantoms provide a consistent method to monitor quality of imaging general x-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, and CT mammography and fluoroscopy. In this orientation, the square blocks devices in terms of contrast, resolution, and noise of the outputs. scanning. The phantom will assess the image quality can be used for grey scale linearity and evaluation of low contrast However, currently each type of imaging device has its own parameters stipulated by the Department of Radiation resolution. High contrast resolution can be evaluated with MTF as dedicated phantom and associated computer software. This is costly Control in diagnostic radiology equipment licenses. previously described. The scribe marks can be used for laser and complicated to maintain, especially for resource limited medical checking, cross wire centring, and set-up verification. Signal-to-noise, institutions. This innovation develops an all-in-one diagnostic COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE signal-difference-to-noise, and contrast-to-noise ratios and image radiology x-ray imaging phantom that can be used in a variety of The all-in-one phantom will be cheaper and more uniformity can be calculated with region of interest analysis. This will imaging devices to provide a simpler and more cost-effective solution. versatile than other phantoms on the market which all be described in a data analysis computer program, and instructions are generally proprietary to types and even makes of will be provided in a comprehensive user’s manual. TARGET MARKET(S) imaging devices. Therefore, the all-in-one phantom will be a more cost-effective, simpler solution for resource • Diagnostic radiology divisions in private and state hospitals and limited hospitals and medical institutions. institutions Furthermore, it will be easier for hospitals with less • Any institution using x-ray imaging, fluoroscopy, mammography, manpower and expertise in medical physics to learn and CT scanning (focus on resource limited institutions) and use the all-in-one device and software to • International companies periodically perform quality checks and tune their imaging devices. Additionally, the all-in-one’s data analysis software will have semi-automated and well described procedures.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHERS Annemari Groenewald, Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University A more cost effective, simpler solution for resource limited hospitals and medical institutions.