We reviewed the 1996 issues of Radiology and American Journal of Roentgenology to appreciate the number of phantom studies published. There were 11 studies involving living animals and 51 other phantom studies. The categories chest, CT and MR, and musculoskeletal contained more than 10% of phantom studies in both journals. Design, advantages and limitations of different types of phantom studies are further addressed. Phantom studies offer several advantages over studies in patients in selected circumstances and have an important role in radiology research.