OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation of the position and height of the examination couch with the accuracy of image registration in an exact effective field of vision (FOV) of single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and determine the optimal position of the examination couch for best image registration.

METHODSThe tests were performed on a SPECT/CT with 6 radioactive (153)Gd sources in 3 groups (two in each group with energy peak of 40.9 Kev, 41.54 Kev, and 103.18 Kev) in an assorted standard pattern. Thirteen groups of slice data were obtained by changing the position and height of the bed but keeping the tomograpy slice constant. The bias of the accuracy of image registration was acquired using ALIGNMENT software and compared for different examination couch positions and heights.

RESULTSThe position of the examination couch at 0 cm in the Z axis and -4 cm in the Y axis showed the least error of image registration.

CONCLUSIONTo achieve optimal SPECT and CT image fusion, quality control must be implemented and calibration of image registration accuracy should be done when necessary.