A method of determining at least one x-ray scanning system geometric property includes the steps of positioning a calibration device inside a scanning chamber of the scanning device, the chamber being intersected by at least one fan beam of x-rays during a scanning operation, measuring a distance between the calibration device and at least one inner wall of the chamber, scanning the calibration device to produce an image of the calibration device, identifying pixels representing the a geometric feature of the calibration device in the image, determining a position and orientation of the pixels representing the geometric feature in the image and, determining a scanning system property based on the position and orientation of the pixels representing the geometric feature in the image. The position and orientation of the feature in the scanning chamber and the x-ray scanning system property may be determined simultaneously.

A retention system for a phantom for calibrating an imaging system, the retention system comprising at least one rod holder, wherein the at least one rod holder includes at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening is configured to secure at least one rod of the phantom in the retention system, and a fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to secure the at least one rod holder to a body of the phantom.