Performance comparison of two dual-head coincidence cameras of the first and latest generation.

This study compares the performance and image quality of two gamma camera based PET systems of the first and latest generation. We investigated two dual head coincidence gamma cameras (PRISM 2000XP and AXIS, manufactured in 1997 and 2001 by Picker/Philips) predominantly in accordance with the NEMA NU2-1994 and NU2-2001 protocols. All performance parameters except for spatial resolution and image quality were determined after measuring a standard cylinder over several half-life periods.