European research project · 25HLT03
Advancing the metrology of spectral CT.
The challenge
Why standardised metrology for spectral CT matters
Each year, 60 million European citizens receive CT scans to diagnose conditions ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Spectral CT is a major advance — by scanning at different X-ray energy levels, it can better distinguish tissue types and identify disease biomarkers.
Yet hospitals currently lack traceable reference standards for spectral CT. Scanner results vary between manufacturers and sites, dosimeters have not been adapted to spectral CT radiation fields, and standardised protocols for multi-centre clinical studies are still missing.
Our approach
How speCTraMet addresses the gaps
Three connected workstreams build the scientific, clinical and technical foundations for confident spectral CT adoption across Europe.
01 / Traceability
Physical & virtual phantom standards
Developing the first methodology for traceable characterisation of spectral CT phantom inserts with a target measurement uncertainty of 1%.
02 / Variability
Good practice for multi-scanner studies
Conducting a systematic multi-vendor, multi-centre study to quantify sources of biomarker measurement variability and harmonise protocols.
03 / Dosimetry
Patient-specific dose assessment
Building an AI-assisted dosimetry framework tailored to spectral CT radiation fields and personalised organ-dose calculation.
Objectives
Five specific objectives
A focused roadmap from fundamental measurements to clinical guidance and standards uptake.
01
Traceable characterisation of sCT phantom inserts
Measure energy-binned linear attenuation coefficients at 1% uncertainty across at least two organisations.
02
Assess imaging biomarker variability
Run a multisystem, multi-centre study using characterised phantoms and produce a Good Practice Guide.
03
Metrological equipment for sCT radiation fields
Develop X-ray spectrometry methods and a validated spectrum catalogue for emerging spectral CT systems.
04
Personalised dosimetry software framework
Integrate AI-based organ segmentation, dose calculation and full uncertainty evaluation for individual patients.
05
Dissemination and standards uptake
Engage IEC TC 62, IAEA, EURADOS, ICRP and clinical stakeholders to accelerate practical adoption.
Expected impact
Metrology that moves from the laboratory into patient care.
speCTraMet is designed to translate technical confidence into better evidence, safer workflows and stronger European health systems.
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First traceability framework for quantitative spectral CT imaging in Europe
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Better diagnostic consistency across European clinical centres
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AI-powered personalised radiation dose assessment for patients
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Direct input into IEC and IAEA standards development
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Support for compliance with EU radiation protection policy
Consortium
Our consortium
20 organisations across more than 10 European countries — National Metrology Institutes, clinical centres, universities, professional bodies, and industry — united to build the first metrological framework for spectral CT.
20
Organisations
8
NMIs & DIs
5
Clinical centres
6
Universities
10+
Countries
1
Industry partner
Funding
Supported by the European Partnership on Metrology
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EURAMET. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
The project has received funding from the European Partnership on Metrology, co-financed from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and by the Participating States.
© 2026 speCTraMet Consortium