Optimal timing of [18F]Mefway PET for imaging the serotonin 1A receptor in healthy male subjects

•For routine clinical PET, a single static scan protocol is generally preferred.•Regional specific-to-nonspecific ratios, DVR, and SUVR were calculated.•An optimal [18F]Mefway PET scan time was proposed.•SUVR was found to be a practical and reliable quantification method.

To determine the optimal acquisition time of [18F]Mefway PET, we examined the regional specific-to-nonspecific binding ratios and evaluated the relationship between distribution volume ratios (DVRs) and standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in various time windows. The specific-to-nonspecific binding ratios peaked after 40 min and there was a strong correlation between DVR and SUVR in the 60–80 min. Therefore, we recommend the use of a single time point between 60 and 80 min for [18F]Mefway static PET.