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PUBLICATIONS

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarker Calibration Service: Proton Spin Relaxation Times

Published

Author(s)

Michael A. Boss, Andrew M. Dienstfrey, Zydrunas Gimbutas, Kathryn E. Keenan, Jolene D. Splett, Karl F. Stupic, Stephen E. Russek

Abstract

This document describes the calibration service to measure proton spin relaxation times, T1 and T2, of materials used in phantoms (calibration artifacts) to verify the accuracy of MRI-based quantitative measurements. Proton spin relaxation times are used as image-based biomarkers to assess the state of tissue and quantify the presence of contrast agents. A biomarker, per the FDA definition, refers to "a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or biological responses to a therapeutic intervention."(1) Spin relaxation times are phenomenological parameters that need to be carefully defined and measured to enable rigorous quantification and their use as biomarkers for clinical decision making. The relaxation times, in addition to being dependent on local material properties, are dependent on global parameters such as temperature and magnetic field value, which need to be controlled and precisely measured.
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 250-97
Report Number
250-97
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

Biomarker, NMR, MRI, T1, T2
Medical imaging and Precision medicine

Citation

Boss, M. , Dienstfrey, A. , Gimbutas, Z. , Keenan, K. , Splett, J. , Stupic, K. and Russek, S. (2018), Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarker Calibration Service: Proton Spin Relaxation Times, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.250-97 (Accessed October 17, 2025)

Issues

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Created May 3, 2018, Updated November 10, 2018
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