Table 2. Acquisition protocol recommendations for spatial resolution optimization in UHRCT.
| Target parameter | Line pairs improvement | TTF10% improvement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconstruction Matrix | 8 | 28.2% | The highest possible in standard/high-dose protocols. If low-dose is required use standard matrix setting |
| Tube output | 5 | 29.6% | Work with standard to high dose. Use the highest mA reasonably achievable |
| Reconstruction algorithm | 4 | 93.3% | Use MBIR. If not available use HIR with the sharpest kernel possible |
| Lateral displacement | 4 | 30.8% | Pay close attention to patient centering |
| Slice thickness | 3 | 17.3% | The smallest possible if high reconstruction reformats are required* |
| Field-of-view | 2 | 15.1% | The smallest possible |
| Focal spot size | 0 | 24% | Use automatic scanner setting |
*, No influence on the “in-plane” spatial resolution. MTF, Modulation transfer function; mA, Tube current; HIR, Hybrid iterative reconstruction; MBIR, model based iterative reconstruction; TTF, Task transfer function.