Multi-center and multi-vendor phantom study on ADC accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility across 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners

Motivation: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is a promising imaging biomarker for tissue characterization, particularly in renal applications. However, diffusion metrics variation across scanners poses challenges for multi-center studies. Goal(s): Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of QIBA validation process for ADC measurements in abdominal setups at 1.5T and 3T across multiple sites and vendors. Approach: In six sites, ADC values were measured on the QIBA/NIST diffusion phantom and compared to reference values, adjusting for temperature. Results: Excellent accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility were found, especially in the renal range. Despite some differences across field strengths and vendors the overall inter-scanner agreement was excellent. Impact: Implementing the QIBA validation process, using standardized protocols across sites and vendors, for diffusion measurements is feasibile in abdominal setups at both 1.5T and 3T. This is a crucial step to enhance reliability in multi-center renal MRI studies.