METRION Phantom: Revolutionary In-Vivo Calibration
Transform ADC measurements from qualitative patterns to quantitative biomarkers with our groundbreaking embedded phantom technology
METRION System Components
- Temperature-stabilized embedded phantom
- Real-time calibration software
- NIST-traceable reference standards
- Automated PACS integration
The Challenge: ADC Variability in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Current Limitations
- •ADC values vary up to 45% between scanners
- •No standardised reference during patient scans
- •Temperature variations affect measurements
- •Limited ability to track disease progression
Clinical Impact
- •33% of patients receive unnecessary biopsies
- •Inconsistent results across imaging centers
- •Difficulty in multi-site clinical trials
- •Reduced confidence in quantitative biomarkers
The METRION Solution: Real-Time In-Vivo Calibration
METRION represents a paradigm shift in quantitative MRI. By embedding calibration directly into the patient scan, we transform ADC measurements from relative patterns to absolute, traceable values.
45% → 4.3%
Reduction in ADC measurement variability
Real-Time
Calibration during every patient scan
NIST Traceable
Absolute measurements with known uncertainty
How METRION Works
Patient Positioning
The METRION phantom replaces a standard couch cushion. Patients lie naturally on the temperature-stabilized phantom containing NIST-traceable reference markers.
Simultaneous Acquisition
Reference markers appear in the same field of view as the patient anatomy. The embedded thermometry system continuously monitors and records temperature.
Automated Calibration
The METRION software automatically identifies reference markers, applies temperature corrections, and generates a calibration transfer function specific to that scan.
Corrected ADC Maps
Calibrated ADC maps with confidence intervals are automatically generated and sent to PACS, providing radiologists with traceable, quantitative measurements.
Technical Specifications
Embedded Phantom
- Dimensions: 500mm × 400mm × 60mm
- Weight: < 5kg
- Reference Vials: 8 temperature-stable markers
- ADC Range: 0.3 - 2.5 × 10⁻³ mm²/s
- Temperature Stability: ±0.5°C via phase-change materials
- Thermometry: 4-channel fiber optic system
- Battery Life: > 12 hours continuous monitoring
- MR Safety: 1.5T and 3T conditional
Calibration Software
- Integration: DICOM-compatible PACS integration
- Processing Time: < 2 minutes per study
- Marker Detection: AI-powered automatic segmentation
- Calibration Model: Multi-point linear/polynomial fitting
- Uncertainty Quantification: 95% confidence intervals
- Temperature Correction: Real-time adjustment algorithms
- Audit Trail: Complete calibration history logging
- Standards: IEC 62304 Class B software
Clinical Benefits
Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
Standardised ADC thresholds for PI-RADS scoring with reduced inter-reader variability
Multi-Site Consistency
Enable true quantitative comparison across scanners, sites, and time points
Treatment Monitoring
Track true biological changes in ADC values during active surveillance or therapy
PREDICT Clinical Trial
Study Overview
The PREDICT consortium was awarded a €2.2M Horizon Europe grant to evaluate METRION phantom technology for improved prostate cancer diagnosis.
- Sites: 5 leading European medical centers
- Patients: 500 men with suspected prostate cancer
- Duration: 2024-2026
- Primary Endpoint: Reduction in unnecessary biopsies
- Secondary Endpoints: Inter-site ADC consistency, diagnostic confidence
Participating Centers
- University College London Hospital
Lead site and protocol development
- Fraunhofer MEVIS
AI algorithm development
- National Physical Laboratory
Metrological validation
Regulatory Pathway
Current Status: Clinical Trial Phase
METRION is currently undergoing clinical validation as part of the PREDICT trial. The system is classified as a Class IIb medical device in the EU/UK.
MHRA CTN Approved
UK clinical trial authorization granted
FDA 510(k): 2027
Planned US market submission
Join the Future of Quantitative MRI
Be among the first to implement METRION technology at your institution. Join our early access program and help shape the future of diagnostic imaging.