Performance testing of MR imaging equipment

A series of test objects have been designed and protocols for their use specified with the aim of standardizing the performance of magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Investigations have been carried out on many machines throughout Europe both on th general imaging performance and on the accuracy and precision with which the relaxation times T1 and T2 may be measured with such equipment. With regard to the latter, the results have been found to be generally disappointing. However, there were instances in which good results were achieved and a trial is under way in which some standardization of the measurement techniques is being attempted.<>