Our goal is to standardize how DICOM PET images are converted to standardized uptake values (SUVs) – an essential step in PET image analysis. For that, we are developing a set of digital reference objects (DROs) together with a manual including usage instructions.
Fixed bugs in DRO_2_6_x, DRO_3_2_x, DRO_3_3_x, DRO_3_4_x, DRO_3_5_x, DRO_4_2. Fixed typos in manual and flowchart.
Fixed bugs in DRO_2_1_x and DRO_2_2_x.
DROs
- Several DROs now include multiple versions for different values of Patient Sex or Manufacturer (where relevant).
- A new DRO (3_5_x) has been added.
- The file structure has been revised: each DRO now represents a single patient.
- Multiple DICOM attributes have been modified to improve compatibility and realism, which may affect previous results.
- Manufacturer is specified where required for SUV conversion.
Manual
- Recommendations have been refined and updated, particularly for scan start determination when Decay Correction = START.
- An SUV computation flowchart has been added to facilitate implementation.
A new version of the RTStruct files was released with improved compatibility. The region of interest is called DRO_mask.
Additionally, the contour now covers the whole volume of the reference object.
RTStruct files (DICOM radiotherapy structure sets) were added for each DRO as an alternative for NIfTI masks. Furthermore, the file structure was changed. From now on, each DRO is one series of the same study.
We are happy to introduce the first version of our manual for standardized uptake value (SUV) computation as well as the digital reference objects (DROs) for SUV conversion verification. The final versions will be released in subsequent updates.
You can clone the whole repository via HTTPS:
git clone https://github.com/oncoray/suv_computation.gitor via ssh:
git clone git@github.com:oncoray/suv_computation.gitThe DRO DICOM directory includes a mask subdirectory with a NIfTI mask for feature extraction. More details on their use can be found in the manual.
Please report issues or provide feedback by contacting:
We welcome feedback on:
- Extracted SUV values
- Technical issues with reading files or SUV computation
- Suggestions for future versions
The manual and the digital reference objects (DROs) are licensed under CC BY 4.0.
© 2026 Michael Vácha & Alex Zwanenburg & The image biomarker standardisation initiative (IBSI)