Automatic self-correcting calibration method for arterial blood sampling detectors used in PET imaging

Routine calibration of on-line blood flow detectors while necessary is time consuming and if performed frequently, exposes staff to unnecessary levels of radiation. A method has been implemented to account for changes in detector sensitivity and for variations in tubing geometry. The method is most applicable to positron detectors but can also be used for gamma systems. Errors are reduced from +/- 5% to less than 1%.