A comparative study of constancy testing data from the Magphan SMR100 and ACR MRI phantoms on a 3.0T MRI scanner

Abstract

This dissertation explores the comparison between the Magphan SMR100 and the American College of Radiology (ACR) Large MRI phantoms on a 3.0T MRI scanner. The selection of subjects for this study was based on the dearth of literature on the Magphan SMR100 when compared to the extensively studied and researched ACR Large MRI phantom. The objective of this study is to investigate the similarities and dissimilarities of the Magphan SMR100 phantom through a comparison with the ACR Large MRI phantom. In doing so a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) can be developed for the Magphan SMR100 phantom, which will serve as an informative reference to medical physicists looking to develop or revise SOP. The principal research methodology employed in this investigation is experimental, involving active intervention. The data was collected by conducting a series of quality control tests on a 3.0T MRI Siemens scanner located at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. The findings of this study suggest a comparable outcome in nine out of ten parameters between the two phantoms, along with the extension of the scope of parameters evaluated on the Magphan SMR100 phantom beyond the conventional ones. This study contributes to the advancement of testing and assessment of MRI systems through the inclusion of additional parameters using the Magphan SMR100 phantom. In future research, it is recommended to explore additional parameters, consider different phantoms, and investigate varying magnetic field strengths.