What does the term 'phantom' refer to in nuclear medicine quality control?

The term 'phantom' in nuclear medicine quality control refers to a model used to simulate human tissues or organs for testing imaging systems. Phantoms are essential tools in the quality control process because they help ensure that imaging equipment is functioning correctly and producing accurate results. By providing a known standard, these models allow technicians to evaluate the performance of imaging systems, such as their resolution, uniformity, and sensitivity, under controlled conditions.

Using phantoms helps to assess the image quality that a patient might receive during a procedure, which is critical for patient safety and effective diagnosis. Since phantoms can be designed to mimic the physical and biological properties of various tissues, they are invaluable for calibrating machines and ensuring consistent operation over time. This ensures that the imaging systems provide reliable data for diagnosis and treatment planning.