Which of the following indicates a higher image quality in PET scans?

High temporal resolution is critical in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging because it refers to the ability to accurately capture changes over time, leading to more detailed and dynamic images. This characteristic allows for improved visualization of physiological processes, especially in applications such as oncology and neurology, where timing and changes in metabolic activity are crucial to accurate diagnostics.

When temporal resolution is high, the system can effectively track rapid changes in tracer distribution, providing a clearer depiction of the functional status of tissues. This leads to better image quality and allows for more accurate interpretation of PET scans.

In contrast, other factors such as lower sensitivity, longer scanning times, and lower resolution typically result in decreased image quality. Lower sensitivity means that the system may not detect all events, which can obscure details. Longer scanning times can introduce motion artifacts, and lower resolution does not provide the fine detail needed for high-quality images. Thus, the option of high temporal resolution directly contributes to the enhanced quality and diagnostic utility of PET scans.