Table 1 NEMA Measurements performed in this study and its main differences.

Spatial Resolution

Encapsulated ²²Na Source. Reconstructed with FBP

Capillary filled with ¹⁸F. Reconstructed with FBP

Capillary filled with ¹⁸F. Reconstructed with FBP

- Different positions for all three protocols

- 2012 admits alternative iterative algorithms but is mandatory FBP reporting

Scatter fraction, count losses, random coincidences measurements

Cylindrical polyethylene phantom. Different dimensions for mouse, rat and monkey

Cylindrical polyethylene phantom for whole body.

Cylindrical polyethylene phantom for whole body.

- Different phantom in 2008

- Different phantom positioning and different tolerances for the activity filling between 2007–2012

Sensitivity

Encapsulated ²²Na Source

Capillary filled with ¹⁸F and different sleeves sizes phantom

Capillary filled with ¹⁸F and different sleeves sizes phantom

- Different phantom in 2008

- Slightly different parameter calculation and tolerances for the activity filling between 2007–2012.

Image Quality, accuracy of attenuation correction and scatter correction

Customized phantom that includes uniformity region, rods and cold rods (air/water). Filled with ¹⁸F

Customized phantom that includes: uniformity region, lung insert, and 6 spheres (hot regions). Filled with ¹⁸F

Customized phantom that includes: uniformity region, lung insert, and 6 spheres (hot regions). Filled with ¹⁸F

- Different phantom in 2008

- Different phantom positioning, acquisition time and different tolerances for the activity filling between 2007–2012

Accuracy: corrections for count losses and randoms

Not Included

The same phantom as the scatter fraction test

The same phantom as scatter fraction test

- Different phantom positioning and different tolerances for the activity filling between 2007–2012

- The reconstructed image values are compared to different references between 2007–2012