Tutorial on phantoms for photoacoustic imaging applications

Journal article

SignificancePhotoacoustic imaging (PAI) is an emerging technology that holds high promise in a wide range of clinical applications, but standardized methods for system testing are lacking, impeding objective device performance evaluation, calibration, and inter-device comparisons. To address this shortfall, this tutorial offers readers structured guidance in developing tissue-mimicking phantoms for photoacoustic applications with potential extensions to certain acoustic and optical imaging applications.AimThe tutorial review aims to summarize recommendations on phantom development for PAI applications to harmonize efforts in standardization and system calibration in the field.ApproachThe International Photoacoustic Standardization Consortium has conducted a consensus exercise to define recommendations for the development of tissue-mimicking phantoms in PAI.ResultsRecommendations on phantom development are summarized in seven defined steps, expanding from (1) general understanding of the imaging modality, definition of (2) relevant terminology and parameters and (3) phantom purposes, recommendation of (4) basic material properties, (5) material characterization methods, and (6) phantom design to (7) reproducibility efforts.ConclusionsThe tutorial offers a comprehensive framework for the development of tissue-mimicking phantoms in PAI to streamline efforts in system testing and push forward the advancement and translation of the technology.

Authors: Hacker, L; Joseph, J; Lilaj, L; Manohar, S; Ivory, AM

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
• Journal: Journal of Biomedical Optics
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 080801
• Publication date: 2024-08-14
• DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.29.8.080801
• EISSN: 1560-2281
• ISSN: 1083-3668
• Pmid: 39143981
• Language: English
• Keywords: calibration; Standardization; Photoacoustic Techniques; Phantoms, Imaging; Humans; Phantom; Photoacoustic imaging; Reproducibility of Results; Equipment Design; Calibration