Use of Metrology 4.0 Technologies for Intercomparison of Activimeters in Nuclear Medicine
TL;DR
This work directly contributes to international metrological efforts and enhances the safety and efficacy of nuclear medicine, and highlights emerging metrological needs, such as the development of standardized digital protocols and collaborative data-sharing frameworks, which are essential for scaling these innovations globally.
Abstract
Ensuring precise and reliable measurements in nuclear medicine is a cornerstone of patient safety and effective treatment. Radionuclide dose calibrators, or activimeters, are critical instruments for determining the activity of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, traditional calibration and intercomparison methods face significant challenges, including the short half-life of radiopharmaceuticals, variations in sample geometry, and susceptibility to environmental influences. These limitations impede the accuracy and reliability of measurements, with direct implications for healthcare outcomes. This project addresses these challenges by leveraging Metrology 4.0 technologies—artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain—to redefine the calibration and intercomparison of dose calibrators. A significant breakthrough has been achieved with AI-driven computational vision techniques, which automate the analysis of measurement data, eliminate human error, and enhance precision and repeatability. Blockchain technology complements these advancements by providing secure, immutable records of measurement data, ensuring traceability and enabling robust auditing processes. Recent laboratory validations have demonstrated substantial improvements in measurement accuracy and operational efficiency when compared to traditional methods. These findings underscore the transformative potential of integrating advanced technologies into metrology practices, especially in high-stakes applications like nuclear medicine. By fostering global standardization in radionuclide activity measurements, this work directly contributes to international metrological efforts and enhances the safety and efficacy of nuclear medicine. Looking ahead, this project aims to refine AI algorithms for broader applicability, extend experimental validations to encompass a diverse range of radionuclides, and explore real-time monitoring capabilities through next-generation sensors. Furthermore, it highlights emerging metrological needs, such as the development of standardized digital protocols and collaborative data-sharing frameworks, which are essential for scaling these innovations globally. This initiative exemplifies how Metrology 4.0 can address contemporary measurement challenges, promote technological innovation, and ultimately improve global metrology systems. It represents a paradigm shift in how precision, security, and interoperability are achieved in complex measurement environments. Keywords: Metrology 4.0, Nuclear Medicine, Dose Calibrators, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, Digital Transformation