Essential Version | Rev A, August 2021

The Essence of Quantitative MRI.

Evolved.
The Essential System Phantom takes the most essential features
from the classic NIST/ISMRM/RSNA Premium System Phantom
and houses them in the most versatile quantitative brain imaging
phantom on the market. Its smaller size allows the Essential
System Phantom to fit into most coils, including the Siemens
64-Channel Head/Neck coil.

MRI advancers now have more access to the benefits of brain

quantitative MRI with a more affordable option that still offers the
most exceptional qMRI QA/QC in the world.

Proudly developed in collaboration with

Table of Contents
page 1 | An introduction to your Essential System Phantom
Accessory kit contents, important notes, and phantom specs

page 4 | How to use the CMRI LC MR-Readable Thermometer

LC Thermometer vial locations and how to interpret the LC Thermometer on your scans

page 6 | Essential System Phantom solution and feature locations

Vertical positions for all Essential System Phantom solutions and features

page 9 | Essential System Phantom recommended protocols

Recommended protocols for Siemens scanners.

page 18 | Essential System Phantom T₁, T₂, & Proton Density Values
NIST traceable values measured at 3.0 T at 0°C and 16°C-26°C at NIST Boulder and
at 1.5 T at appoximately 20°C at CMRI Headquarters

page 28 | References, Personal Notes, Citations, & Appendix

Resources for inquiring minds and more.

Before you go to the next page...

Please make sure you read the pre-scan
procedure on page 2.
Always handle your phantom with care. If you have
any questions, please email [email protected]!
 Congratulations! You now own the best
imaging phantom on the market for T¹, T²,
and proton density qMRI standardization.
here’s some confetti... just for fun :)

Each Essential System Phantom case is packaged with:

One Essential System Phantom

One torque wrench with a 5 mm

One Essential System Phantom
hex driver bit & straight
screwdriver bit

One pipette to 30 mL CuSO4

remove bubbles & solution container
top off CuSO4 for bubble removal

2 extra fill port screws

2 extra top fill port

screw O-rings 1 CMRI coin

1.
 Before you begin standardizing,
please read this important safety information
The phantom’s interstitial fill contains degassed copper sulfate. It is non-toxic.

In case of a spill, the CuSO4 can be disposed of down the sink. The contrast
sphere elements containing paramagnetic salts are double sealed in robust polypropylene
spheres. These spheres should not leak or break, even if the phantom is dropped.

There are no magnetic parts in your phantom. It is MRI-safe. The phantom case does have
magnetic components. It is not MRI-safe.

Some Pre-Scan Notes (almost to the fun part...)

Note 1 Note 3
Small, undetectable bubbles It’s best if the phantom sits in
may coalesce into larger the scanner room for several
bubbles. Use the syringe to hours to allow for
top off the phantom using the temperature stabilization.
provided CuSO4 30 mL vial. The internal LC MR-readable
Please contact CMRI at Thermometer will allow you to
[email protected] if you run measure the temperature
out of extra CuSO4. between 15˚C and 24˚C.

Note 2 Note 4
When you de-bubble your Load the phantom in the
phantom, use the provided scanner with the serial
torque wrench to unscrew number label in the inferior
the top fill port to take out position. The plates should be
and add CuSO4. oriented vertically with the
After de-bubbling, tighten plate markings “S/I” and “R/L”
the top fill port screw to a in the appropriate places for
max. torque of 7 in-lbs. how a patient’s head would be
oriented in the coil.

2.
 Quick [System Phantom]E Specs

19 fiducial markers

14 element T₂ array

14 element T₁ array

10 vial LC MR-Readable
Thermometer array

14 element proton density array

1
wedge insert for ultimate
10° slice profiling standardization

1
resolution insert
(0.8 mm to 0.4 mm ±0.015 mm)
for scan quality assesment 3.
 How to Standardize Using the CMRI
LC MR-Readable Thermometer

The Essential System Phantom contains the CaliberMRI patented LC MR-Readable

Thermometer for standardized measurements between 15˚C and 24˚C.

A
The temperature transition is MR-readable!
See how the temp changes from scan A to
B?

Important note: the temperature data are

embedded in the images during the
measurement protocol.

LC MR-Readble Thermometer Vial Locations

(temperature listed in Celsius degrees)

15˚ 15˚
16˚ 16˚
21˚ 21˚
22˚
24˚ 22˚
17˚ 24˚ 20˚ 20˚ 17˚
23˚ 23˚
18˚ 19˚ 19˚ 18˚

The external serial number

4. label is in the same location
as the ‘inferior’ plate marker
 How to Interpret the
LC MR-Readable Thermometer

This graph, provided by the Magnetic Imaging Group at NIST Boulder, shows the temperature transition throughout
the scan duration. Please note: this graph does not show the LC MR-Readable Thermometer in the CMRI Essential
System Phantom, but the transition and how it shows on the MRI scan is the same transition you will see while
scanning using the your phantom. This graph is for illustrative purposes only; the temperature transition points
shown do not apply to your Essential System Phantom (see table below for actual transition points).
Image from: Keenan, Kathryn E., et al. "MRI‐visible liquid crystal thermometer." Magnetic resonance in medicine 84.3 (2020): 1552-1563.

Data is for the batch of LC MR-Readable Thermometer solutions contained in your Essential System
Phantom. CaliberMRI is awaiting official temperature transition point data from NIST Boulder.

Nominal Temperature (C˚) Transition Point (C˚) Corrected Temperature (C˚)

15.00 15.0 15.14
16.00 15.9 16.12
17.00 16.6 17.19
18.00 17.9 18.27
19.00 18.9 19.29
20.00 19.9 20.41
21.00 20.7 21.53
22.00 21.8 22.60
23.00 22.9 23.68
24.00 24.0 24.83 5.
 Resolution Insert Sequence
The resolution insert is located on the anterior portion
of the T2 Plate 2.

V=0

Section Thickness Sequence

The slice profile wedge is located between the
bottom shell and PD Plate 1 on the posterior end
of PD Plate 1.

V = -53.5

Proton Density & SNR Sequence

The 14-sphere proton density array is the clear spheres
located on PD Plate 1 on the posterior end of the
phantom.

V = -50

6.
 Isotropic Scan
To perform the Isotopic Scan, the Origin Marker must
be located. The Origin Marker is located at (0, 0, 0) on
the anterior of T2 Plate 2.

V=0

T1-VTI Sequence
The 14-sphere T1 density array appears as the green
spheres located on T1 Plate 3 on the top half of the
phantom.

V = +50

T1-VFA Sequence
The 14-sphere T1 density array appears as the green
spheres located on T1 Plate 3 on the top half of the
phantom.

V = +50

7.
T2 Sequence
The 14-sphere T2 density array appears as the red
spheres located on T2 Plate 2 on the hemisphere of
the phantom.

V=0

LC MR-Readable
Thermometer Plate Location
The 10-vial LC MR-Readable Therometer array is
located on the posterior of T2 Plate 2 (Plate 2 is
located on the hemisphere of the phantom).

V = -17.5

8.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences
3-Plane Localizer Isotropic Volume Sequence

Orientation: 146 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 256 x 230 Resolution Matrix: 256 x 256

Number of Slices: 3 unary, no units Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 7 mm Slice Thickness: 1 mm

Slice Gap: 20% Slice Gap: 20%

Repetition Time: 8.6 ms Repetition Time: 6.3 ms

Echo Time: 4 ms Echo Time: 1.9 ms

Flip Angle: 20 degrees Flip Angle: 10 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: 301 Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

9.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences
T₁ VTI-3000 T₁ VTI-2000, 1500, 1000, 250,
150, 125, 100, 75, 35

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192 Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192

Number of Slices: 2 unary, no units Number of Slices: 2 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 6 mm Slice Thickness: 6 mm

Slice Gap: 280% Slice Gap: 400%

Repetition Time: 6100 ms Repetition Time: 6100 ms

Echo Time: 7.1 ms Echo Time: 7.1 ms

Flip Angle: 150 degrees Flip Angle: 150 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: 301 Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

10.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences

T₁ VFA-2 T₁ VFA-5

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192 Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192

Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 3 mm Slice Thickness: 3 mm

Slice Gap: 20% Slice Gap: 20%

Repetition Time: 6.6 ms Repetition Time: 6.6 ms

Echo Time: 2.44 ms Echo Time: 2.44 ms

Flip Angle: 2 degrees Flip Angle: 5 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: 301 Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

11.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences

T₁ VFA-20 T₁ VFA-25

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192 Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192

Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 3 mm Slice Thickness: 3 mm

Slice Gap: 20% Slice Gap: 20%

Repetition Time: 6.6 ms Repetition Time: 6.6 ms

Echo Time: 2.44 ms Echo Time: 2.44 ms 23.

Flip Angle: 20 degrees Flip Angle: 25 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: 301 Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

12.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences

T₁ VFA-10 T₁ VFA-15

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192 Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192

Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 3 mm Slice Thickness: 3 mm

Slice Gap: 20% Slice Gap: 20%

Repetition Time: 6.6 ms Repetition Time: 6.6 ms

Echo Time: 2.44 ms Echo Time: 2.44 ms

Flip Angle: 10 degrees Flip Angle: 15 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: 301 Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

13.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences
T₁ VFA-30 T₂

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192 Resolution Matrix: 256 x 192

Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units Number of Slices: 2 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 3 mm Slice Thickness: 6 mm

Slice Gap: 20% Slice Gap: 400%

Repetition Time: 6.6 ms Repetition Time: 5000 ms

Echo Time: 2.44 ms Echo Time: 10 ms

Flip Angle: 30 degrees Flip Angle: 180 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: 301 Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

14.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences
Section Thickness, 3 mm Section Thickness, 5 mm

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 512 x 256 Resolution Matrix: 512 x 256

Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 3 mm Slice Thickness: 5 mm

Slice Gap: 50% Slice Gap: 50%

Repetition Time: 5000 ms Repetition Time: 5000 ms

Echo Time: 66 ms Echo Time: 66 ms

Flip Angle: 150 degrees Flip Angle: 150 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: NA Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

15.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences
Resolution Insert Proton Density

Orientation: 147 Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 512 x 512 Resolution Matrix: 512 x 192

Number of Slices: 5 unary, no units Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100% FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 3 mm Slice Thickness: 6 mm

Slice Gap: 0% Slice Gap: 50%

Repetition Time: 5000 ms Repetition Time: 2500 ms

Echo Time: 66 ms Echo Time: 10 ms

Flip Angle: 150 degrees Flip Angle: 90 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35 Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: NA Flow Compensation: 301

Water Suppression: 39 Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False Subtraction: False

First Signal Mode: 236 First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA Contrast Agent: NA

16.
 Siemens Scanner Sequences
Proton Density SNR

Orientation: 147

Resolution Matrix: 512 x 192

Number of Slices: 1 unary, no units

FoV Read: 250 mm

FoV Phase: 100%

Slice Thickness: 6 mm

Slice Gap: 50%

Repetition Time: 2500 ms

Echo Time: 10 ms

Flip Angle: 90 degrees

Fat Suppression: 35

Flow Compensation: NA

Water Suppression: 39

Subtraction: False
First Signal Mode: 236

Contrast Agent: NA

17.
T1 3.0 T measurements, performed at NIST
T1 1.5 T measurements performed at CMRI
Table 1. T1 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast
solution used. Measured at 20°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
NiCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T₁-1 0.29 1883.97 30.32 1489.41 20.41

T₁-2 0.60 1330.16 20.41 1026.78 13.03
T₁-3 1.04 987.27 14.22 736.97 9.32
T₁-4 1.64 690.08 10.12 521.27 6.57
T₁-5 2.52 484.97 7.06 354.38 4.51
T₁-6 3.68 341.58 4.97 248.03 3.14
T₁-7 5.43 240.86 3.51 174.99 2.20
T₁-8 7.74 174.95 2.48 126.33 1.55
T₁-9 11.3 121.08 1.75 86.91 1.09
T₁-10 16.5 85.75 1.24 60.86 0.77
T₁-11 23.3 60.21 0.87 42.44 0.54
T₁-12 32.7 42.89 0.44 30.66 0.27
T₁-13 46.0 30.40 0.62 21.76 0.38
T₁-14 65.3 21.44 0.31 15.30 0.19

*Contrast sphere numbering is as appears when the phantom is viewed inferiorly*

T₁-8 T₁-1

T₁-7 T₁-9 T₁-2

T₁-14 T₁-10

T₁-13 T₁-11
T₁-6 T₁-3
T₁-12

T₁-5 T₁-4

18.
 Table 2. T1 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast
solution used. Measured at 16°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
NiCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T₁-1 0.29 1766.68 28.54 1348.91 18.960

T₁-2 0.60 1274.07 19.44 990.77 12.880
T₁-3 1.04 950.71 13.82 731.70 9.090
T₁-4 1.64 675.07 9.94 519.26 6.450
T₁-5 2.52 483.91 6.95 358.92 4.430
T₁-6 3.68 343.00 4.93 252.21 3.100
T₁-7 5.43 243.77 3.49 178.68 2.180
T₁-8 7.74 177.68 2.47 129.78 1.540
T₁-9 11.30 122.99 1.75 89.01 1.080
T₁-10 16.50 87.47 1.24 62.36 0.760
T₁-11 23.30 61.49 0.88 43.57 0.540
T₁-12 32.70 43.79 0.44 31.55 0.270
T₁-13 46.00 31.05 0.62 22.37 0.380
T₁-14 65.30 21.94 0.31 15.80 0.190

Table 3. T1 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast

solution used. Measured at 18°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
NiCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T₁-1 0.29 1830.34 29.44 1455.09 19.72

T₁-2 0.6 1317.71 19.97 1010.28 12.99
T₁-3 1.04 963.56 14.02 735.31 9.19
T₁-4 1.64 686.88 10.02 520.94 6.49
T₁-5 2.52 482.91 7.01 355.15 4.46
T₁-6 3.68 341.53 4.94 249.23 3.11
T₁-7 5.43 241.84 3.49 176.11 2.18
T₁-8 7.74 175.94 2.47 127.33 1.54
T₁-9 11.3 121.79 1.75 87.65 1.08
T₁-10 16.5 86.41 1.24 61.60 0.76
T₁-11 23.3 60.70 0.87 42.91 0.54
T₁-12 32.7 43.24 0.44 30.97 0.27
T₁-13 46 30.65 0.62 21.99 0.38
19. T₁-14 65.3 21.62 0.31 15.47 0.19
Table 4. T1 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast
solution used. Measured at 22°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
NiCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T₁-1 0.29 1937.34 28.54 1520.77 18.96

T₁-2 0.60 1355.29 19.44 1040.25 12.88
T₁-3 1.04 1000.81 13.82 744.39 9.09
T₁-4 1.64 695.01 9.94 523.08 6.45
T₁-5 2.52 486.92 6.95 356.14 4.43
T₁-6 3.68 342.58 4.93 248.15 3.10
T₁-7 5.43 240.75 3.49 175.07 2.18
T₁-8 7.74 174.59 2.47 126.49 1.54
T₁-9 11.3 120.80 1.75 86.85 1.08
T₁-10 16.5 85.03 1.24 60.96 0.76
T₁-11 23.3 59.97 0.88 42.42 0.54
T₁-12 32.7 42.72 0.44 30.63 0.27
T₁-13 46.0 30.27 0.62 21.74 0.38
T₁-14 65.3 21.28 0.31 15.22 0.19

Table 5. T1 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast

solution used. Measured at 24°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
NiCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T₁-1 0.29 1987.50 29.44 1532.32 19.72

T₁-2 0.60 1367.79 19.97 1048.13 12.99
T₁-3 1.04 1015.70 14.02 755.94 9.19
T₁-4 1.64 701.06 10.02 528.55 6.49
T₁-5 2.52 490.24 7.01 359.80 4.46
T₁-6 3.68 344.23 4.94 250.05 3.11
T₁-7 5.43 241.31 3.49 176.15 2.18
T₁-8 7.74 174.78 2.47 126.91 1.54
T₁-9 11.3 120.90 1.75 87.27 1.08
T₁-10 16.5 85.01 1.24 61.27 0.76
T₁-11 23.3 60.00 0.87 42.67 0.54
T₁-12 32.7 42.70 0.44 30.83 0.27
T₁-13 46.0 30.25 0.62 21.84 0.38
T₁-14 65.3 21.26 0.31 15.33 0.19
20.
 Table 6. T1 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast
solution used. Measured at 26°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
NiCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T₁-1 0.29 2066.95 30.32 1578.57 20.41

T₁-2 0.60 1395.94 20.41 1067.14 13.03
T₁-3 1.04 1030.78 14.22 768.69 9.32
T₁-4 1.64 709.48 10.12 538.22 6.57
T₁-5 2.52 494.55 7.06 365.21 4.51
T₁-6 3.68 346.67 4.97 253.8 3.14
T₁-7 5.43 242.45 3.51 178.08 2.20
T₁-8 7.74 175.48 2.48 128.28 1.55
T₁-9 11.3 121.34 1.75 88.37 1.09
T₁-10 16.5 85.28 1.24 62.12 0.77
T₁-11 23.3 60.17 0.87 43.22 0.54
T₁-12 32.7 42.80 0.44 30.71 0.27
T₁-13 46.0 30.31 0.62 22.09 0.38
T₁-14 65.3 21.31 0.31 15.49 0.19

Table 7. T1 contrast spheres values at 1.5 T. Batch #2 T₁ contrast

solution used. Measured at ~20°C at CMRI Headquarters.
Nominal
Concentration, T1 (ms) T2 (ms)
NiCl2 (± 5% mM)

T₁-1 0.29 1723.58 1637.31

T₁-2 0.60 1450.54 1362.33
T₁-3 1.04 1010.18 939.03
T₁-4 1.64 671.84 620.95
T₁-5 2.52 467.11 413.15
T₁-6 3.68 333.47 306.77
T₁-7 5.43 235.98 215.96
T₁-8 7.74 169.96 155.16
T₁-9 11.3 117.29 109.13
T₁-10 16.5 81.82 77.21
T₁-11 23.3 57.33 54.23
T₁-12 32.7 40.95 38.88
T₁-13 46.0 29.29 27.86
21. T₁-14 65.3 20.34 19.47
T2 3.0 T measurements, performed at NIST
T2 1.5 T measurements performed at CMRI
Table 8. T2 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batches #2 and 2.5
used. Measured at 20°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
MnCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T -1 2 0.0113 2478.19 75.63 552.73 18.13

T -2 2 0.0181 2185.54 54.64 379.48 3.57
T -3
2 0.0282 1901.28 47.53 267.29 2.51
T -4 2 0.0434 1549.98 38.75 175.05 1.65
T -5 2 0.0673 1197.57 37.77 112.66 1.57
T -6 2 0.0934 1026.43 25.66 88.89 0.84
T -7 2 0.1353 805.1 20.13 63.42 0.60
T -8 2 0.193 599.96 15.00 44.24 0.42
T -9 2 0.2768 431.22 10.78 29.88 0.28
T -10
2 0.4276 292.87 7.32 19.40 0.18
T -11
2
0.5555 226.53 5.66 14.74 0.14
T -12
2 0.7902 158.17 3.95 10.52 0.10
T -13
2 1.1274 116.7 2.92 7.27 0.07
T -14
2
1.5996 82.46 2.06 5.10 0.05
*Contrast sphere numbering is as appears when the phantom is viewed inferiorly*

T₂-1 T₂-8

T₂-9
T₂-2 T₂-7
T₂-10 T₂-14

T₂-11 T₂-13
T₂-3 T₂-6
T₂-12

T₂-4 T₂-5
22.
 Table 9. T2 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 and 2.5 used.
Measured at 16°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
MnCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T -1 2 0.0113 2127.95 66.75 506.65 16.03

T -22 0.0181 1874.96 46.87 357.4 3.36
T -3 2 0.0282 1657.68 41.44 247.93 2.33
T -4 2 0.0434 1341.07 33.53 161.07 1.51
T -52 0.0673 1056.33 32.7 105.31 1.45
T -62 0.0934 892.29 22.31 81.86 0.77
T -7 2 0.1353 711.11 17.78 59.45 0.56
T -82
0.193 531.60 13.29 41.53 0.39
T -9 2
0.2768 384.99 9.62 28.04 0.26
T -10
2
0.4276 262.14 6.55 18.22 0.17
T -112
0.5555 203.53 5.09 13.94 0.13
T -12
2
0.7902 141.21 3.53 9.88 0.09
T -13
2
1.1274 104.57 2.61 6.83 0.06
T -14
2
1.5996 73.65 1.84 4.79 0.05

Table 10. T2 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 and 2.5 used.
Measured at 18°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
MnCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T -1 2 0.0113 2322.54 71.56 526.24 17.14

T -22 0.0181 2073.94 51.85 370.54 3.48
T -3
2 0.0282 1783.21 44.58 257.47 2.42
T -4 2 0.0434 1466.78 36.67 169.02 1.59
T -5 2 0.0673 1125.81 35.44 108.76 1.50
T -6 2 0.0934 972.48 24.31 85.92 0.81
T -7 2 0.1353 757.34 18.93 61.31 0.58
T -8 2
0.193 563.86 14.10 42.63 0.40
T -9 2
0.2768 408.05 10.20 28.93 0.27
T -10
2 0.4276 277.38 6.93 18.78 0.18
T -11
2
0.5555 214.8 5.37 14.28 0.13
T -12
2
0.7902 149.28 3.73 10.17 0.10
T -13 1.1274 110.49 2.76 7.04 0.07
23.
2

T -14
2
1.5996 77.93 1.95 4.93 0.05
Table 11. T2 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 and 2.5 used.
Measured at 22°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
MnCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T -1 2 0.0113 2623.59 79.79 578.48 19.02

T -22 0.0181 2302.78 57.57 392.49 3.69
T -3
2 0.0282 2009.05 50.23 276.98 2.60
T -4 2 0.0434 1626.53 40.66 181.48 1.71
T -52 0.0673 1267.08 39.75 116.82 1.62
T -62 0.0934 1083.42 27.09 92.30 0.87
T -7 2 0.1353 848.64 21.22 65.65 0.62
T -82
0.193 634.59 15.86 45.86 0.43
T -9 2
0.2768 454.82 11.37 30.92 0.29
T -10
2 0.4276 308.92 7.72 20.07 0.19
T -11
2
0.5555 238.33 5.96 15.24 0.14
T -12
2
0.7902 166.64 4.17 10.88 0.10
T -13
2
1.1274 123.22 3.08 7.49 0.07
T -14
2
1.5996 87.08 2.18 5.28 0.05

Table 12. T2 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 and 2.5 used.
Measured at 24°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
MnCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T -1 2 0.0113 2775.52 84.13 610.51 20.11

T -22 0.0181 2424.62 60.62 406.02 3.82
T -3
2 0.0282 2119.34 52.98 287.48 2.70
T -4 2 0.0434 1715.06 42.88 187.21 1.76
T -52 0.0673 1340.89 42.18 121.21 1.70
T -62 0.0934 1141.5 28.54 95.97 0.90
T -7 2 0.1353 892.41 22.31 67.82 0.64
T -82
0.193 669.56 16.74 47.66 0.45
T -9 2
0.2768 478.81 11.97 32.06 0.30
T -10
2 0.4276 325.23 8.13 20.78 0.20
T -11
2
0.5555 250.61 6.27 15.80 0.15
T -12
2
0.7902 175.31 4.38 11.25 0.11
T -13
2
1.1274 129.67 3.24 7.76 0.07
T -14
2
1.5996 91.82 2.30 5.48 0.05 24.
 Table 13. T2 contrast spheres values at 3.0 T. Batch #2 and 2.5 used.
Measured at 26°C. NIST traceable.
Nominal T1 Standard T2 Standard
Concentration, T1 (ms) Deviation, SD3R T2 (ms) Deviation, SD3R
MnCl2 (± 5% mM) (ms) (ms)

T -1 2 0.0113 2917.74 88.42 636.24 20.73

T -2 2 0.0181 2546.04 63.65 420.75 3.96
T -32 0.0282 2232.44 55.81 299.08 2.81
T -4 2 0.0434 1801.61 45.04 192.23 1.81
T -5 2 0.0673 1410.82 44.36 126.30 1.77
T -6 2 0.0934 1202.40 30.06 99.89 0.94
T -7 2 0.1353 937.12 23.43 70.57 0.66
T -8 2
0.193 703.51 17.59 49.26 0.46
T -9 2
0.2768 503.30 12.58 33.25 0.31
T -10
2
0.4276 341.74 8.54 21.56 0.20
T -112
0.5555 263.09 6.58 16.39 0.15
T -12
2
0.7902 184.07 4.60 11.67 0.11
T -13
2
1.1274 136.34 3.41 8.06 0.08
T -14
2
1.5996 96.54 2.41 5.69 0.05

Table 14. T2 contrast spheres values at 1.5 T. Batch #2 and 2.5 used.
Measured at ~20°C at CMRI Headquarters.
Nominal
Concentration, T1 (ms) T2 (ms)
NiCl2 (± 5% mM)

T -1 2 0.29 2211.97 853.22

T -22 0.60 2114.16 692.08
T -3
2 1.04 1868.11 478.91
T -4 2 1.64 1614.27 322.54
T -52 2.52 1237.85 194.22
T -62
3.68 1141.36 167.06
T -7 2
5.43 897.75 116.45
T -82
7.74 675.07 82.25
T -9 2
11.3 457.31 53.02
T -10
2
16.5 322.01 34.33
T -11
2
23.3 240.22 26.07
T -12
2
32.7 173.47 17.94
T -13 46.0 122.37 12.77
25. 2

65.3 86.93 8.75

T -14
2
 Gravimetric
Proton Density
NMR Signal to
Pure Water Ratio
PD Uncertainty Table 15. PD array values
(%)***
(%)* (%)** at 3.0 T.
PD-1 5 5.07 0.183
PD-2 10 10.23 0.370 Measured at 20°C.
PD-3 15 15.01 0.542
NIST traceable.
PD-4 20 20.68 0.747
PD-5 25 25.47 0.920 *Gravimetric measurements of proton
density will, in general, have less uncer-
PD-6 30 29.98 1.083 tainty then NMR-based measurements.

PD-7 35 34.89 1.260 **The reported NMR proton density (PD) is

the ratio of the NMR signal of the provided
PD-8 40 39.76 1.436 sample to an identical sample of pure
water.
PD-9 50 48.42 1.749
***The reported uncertainty is u =6σPD,
PD-10 60 59.13 2.135 where σ is the standard deviation of the
normalized NMR signal of identical, but
PD-11 70 68.55 2.476 independently measured, water samples.
The uncertainty is the sum of the relative
PD-12 80 78.35 2.830 uncertainty in the sample measurement
and the water reference measurement,
PD-13 90 90.59 3.272 each taken to be 3σ. There is >99.7%
probability that the real values fall within
PD-14 100 99.55 3.595 the reported values ± u.

*Contrast sphere numbering is as appears when the phantom is viewed inferiorly*

PD-8 PD-1

PD-9
PD-7 PD-2
PD-14 PD-10

PD-13 PD-11
PD-6 PD-3
PD-12

PD-5 PD-4

26.
 Table 16. CuSO₄ fiducial sphere solution values measured at 3.0 T for
all serial numbers. Measured at various temperatures. NIST traceable.

CuSO₄
concentration T₁ reported (ms) T₁ uncertainty T₂ reported (ms) T₂ uncertainty
(mM)* (ms)** (ms)***

16°C 2.9 350.23 7.71 300.27 6.61

18°C 2.9 370.96 8.16 317.88 6.99
20°C 2.9 391.51 8.61 335.56 7.38
22°C 2.9 412.02 9.06 352.51 7.76
24°C 2.9 432.78 9.52 370.62 8.15
26°C 2.9 453.81 9.98 388.91 8.56

*Concentrations provided by CaliberMRI, based on Certificates of Analysis from Sigma-Aldrich.

** The temperatures listed are prescribed values. The uncertainty in the temperature measurement is included
in the T₁, T₂ uncertainty values.

*** The uncertainties, u, are calculated using a Monte Carlo-Bloch simulator as described in NIST SP250-97. The
uncertainty is given by u =3*SD where SD is the maximum observed T₁, T₂ standard deviation given by the Monte Carlo
Bloch simulations. There is 99.7% probability that the real values fall within the reported values ± u. The full uncertainty
analysis is available on request.

27.
 qMRI Resources for Inquiring Minds

Documentation on relaxation time calculations

1. Boss M., Dienstfrey A., Gimbutas Z., Keenan K., Splett J., Stupic K., Russek S. 2018 May 3. Magnetic
Resonance Imaging Biomarker Calibration Service: Proton Spin Relaxation Times. National Institute of
Standards and Technology 250-97: 1-35.

General qMRI & T1 and T2 overview

1. Russek E., Stephen, Stupic F. Karl, Biller R., Joshua, Boss A., Michael, Keenan E. Kathryn, Mirowski,
Elizabeth. 2020 August. Electromagnetics for Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Electrostatics
to Photonics: Fundamentals and Applications for Physicists and Engineers 95-147: 1-1.

Tables 1-4. Keenan KE, Stupic KF, Boss MA , Russek SE, Chenevert TL, Prasad PV, Reddick WE, Cecil
KM, Zheng J, Hu P, Jackson EF, Ad Hoc Committee on Standards for Quantitative MRI. 2016.
Comparison of T1 measurement using ISMRM/NIST phantom, program #3290. ISMRM 24th Annual
Meeting; 2016 May 9-16; Singapore. Boulder, Colorado: National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST). 24 slides.

1. Graphs: Keenan KE, Stupic KF, Boss MA , Russek SE, Chenevert TL, Prasad PV, Reddick WE, Cecil
KM, Zheng J, Hu P, Jackson EF, Ad Hoc Committee on Standards for Quantitative MRI. 2016.
Comparison of T1 measurement using ISMRM/NIST phantom, program #3290. ISMRM 24th Annual
Meeting; 2016 May 9-16; Singapore. Boulder, Colorado: National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST). 24 slides.

For additional resources, visit our website at www.qmri.com/resources!

We continuously update our resources with the newest research.

28.
 Manual Citations

Human Tissue Mimic Solution Properties, pages 18-27

Tables 1-6, 8-13, 15-16. NIST Boulder, Magnetic Imaging Group, Report of Measurement: Magnetic
Resonance Measurements for MRI Biomarkers: Proton Spin Relaxation Times, NIST Boulder,
Certificate Number 80100S-20200610-C1.

Tables 7 and 14. Performed by the CaliberMRI Team at CMRI Headquarters. 2021. In-house T1 and T2
NMR measurements.

Recommended System Phantom Protocols, pages 9-17

Provided by the NIST Magnetic Imaging Group and the CMRI Team. Scans performed at the CU
Boulder Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium (INC).

Appendix

Visit www.qmri.com/cmri-product-resources to view and

download your phantom’s solution batch data.

29.
Notes

30.
 Notes

31.
 Notes

32.
 Transforming the Known into
Human Health Insights

Your phantom is warrantied for up to 1 year.

CaliberMRI phantoms are warranted against manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the date of shipment.
CMRI shall repair or replace, at its sole discretion, any such instruments needing a repair during that period.
Warranty does not cover damages resulting from wear and tear, mistreatment, or abuse.
All warranty services must be approved by CMRI in advance of service or shipment to CMRI Headquarters.

The human tissue mimic solutions are accurate and precise for up to 3 years.
After 3 years, CMRI highly recommends that you recalibrate your CMRI
phantom to maintain the quality of your qMRI QA/QC.

Need Essential System Phantom support or repairs?

Email [email protected].