Accurate corrections for tissue inhomogeneities are a critical part of isodose treatment planning. Although most
computerized treatment planning systems currently use CT image data, these systems frequently use empirical formulae in
computing correction factors for tissue inhomogeneities.
Accurate corrections for tissue inhomogeneities are a critical part of isodose treatment planning.
Although most
computerized treatment planning systems currently use CT image data, these systems frequently use empirical formulae in
computing correction factors for tissue inhomogeneities. The Gammex 467 Tissue Characterization Phantom can be used
to establish the relationship between the electron density of various tissues and their corresponding CT number in Hounsfield
Units. This data can then be transferred to the computerized treatment planning system for more accurate corrections for
tissue inhomogeneities. Scanning the phantom on a periodic basis provides data useful for the Quality Assurance Program
of both the CT scanner and treatment planning system. The Tissue Characterization Phantom consists of a Solid Water®
disk approximately the size of an average pelvis. A matrix of sixteen holes in the disk hold interchangeable rods made of
various tissue and water simulating materials. The physical density (g/cm3) and electron density relative to water of the rod
materials are on a specification sheet that is provided with each phantom. The phantom also has a pattern of small air holes
with known spacings for checking the CT scanners’s distance measurement accuracy. A handy carrying case is also
included.
Rod Material
Electron Density
Relative to Water
Physical Density g/cm3
Lung (LN-300)
0.28
0.30
Lung (LN-450
0.40
0.45
Adipose (AP6)
0.90
0.92
Breast
0.96
0.99
CT Solid Water
0.99
1.02
Brain
1.05
1.05
Liver (LV1)
1.07
1.08
Inner Bone
1.09
1.12
Bone (B200)
1.11
1.15
Bone (CB2-30% Mineral)
1.28
1.34
Bone (CB2-50% Mineral)
1.47
1.56
Cortical Bone (SB3)
1.69
1.82
True Water
1.00
1.00
Optional Titanium Insert
3.79
4.59
SPECIFICATIONS
Disk Material. . . . Solid Water
®(Gammex 451)
Diameter . . . . . . 33 cm (12.9 in)
Height . . . . . . . . 5 cm (2 in)
Weight
Disk and Rods . . 4.6 kg (10 lbs)
Phantom with case. . . . . 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs)
Tissue Characterization
Phantom
Model 467
Accurate corrections for tissue inhomogeneities are a critical part of isodose treatment planning. Although most
computerized treatment planning systems currently use CT image data, these systems frequently use empirical formulae in
computing correction factors for tissue inhomogeneities. The Gammex 467 Tissue Characterization Phantom can be used
to establish the relationship between the electron density of various tissues and their corresponding CT number in Hounsfield
Units. This data can then be transferred to the computerized treatment planning system for more accurate corrections for
tissue inhomogeneities. Scanning the phantom on a periodic basis provides data useful for the Quality Assurance Program
of both the CT scanner and treatment planning system. The Tissue Characterization Phantom consists of a Solid Water?
disk approximately the size of an average pelvis. A matrix of sixteen holes in the disk hold interchangeable rods made of
various tissue and water simulating materials. The physical density (g/cm3) and electron density relative to water of the rod
materials are on a specification sheet that is provided with each phantom. The phantom also has a pattern of small air holes
with known spacings for checking the CT scanners’s distance measurement accuracy. A handy carrying case is also
included.