Measuring Metabolic Function with PET: Technical Considerations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of methodologic errors when PET is used for the quantitative measurement of regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMR_glu).

Methods: Performance of the analytic tests, which are the variables in the quantitative measurement of rCMR_glu with PET, was evaluated.

Results: For the scanner we evaluated, failure to perform daily calibration factor calculations was the single largest source of error. In addition, any variation in the accuracy or precision of patient plasma sample pipetting or plasma glucose level determinations, will result in corresponding changes in rCMR_glu.

Conclusions: Quantitative measurement of rCMR_glu with PET requires close attention to laboratory skills, especially proper operation and maintenance of pipettes.