Tissue characterization by MRI and MRS: an international and multidisciplinary research programme

Essential to quantification in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) is the adoption of accurate test procedures for quality control and performance assessment of the equipment. Moreover, the wide application of agreed protocols for standardization of measurements would make results obtained by different centers comparable, whatever equipment is used. A concerted research project, begun in 1984 as part of the EEC European Medical Research Programme, addresses these objectives and involves the collaborative efforts of more than forty Institutes. Performance testing of MR imaging equipment was established and performed in a number of European facilities. Present activities include defining test objects and test procedures for assessing volume selection and quantification in MRS.<>