Biomedical Research Imaging Center - UNC School of Medicine
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Below are the imaging modalities available at the BRIC:
Siemens Allegra 3T MRI
The Siemens Allegra 3T MRI head scanner is dedicated for research use both in human and animal studies, and is optimized for brain MRI/MRS and functional MRI (fMRI) study. The system is capable of a variety of different forms of structural and functional imaging, including diffusion imaging, perfusion imaging, and proton MR spectroscopy.
- Gradient strength of 40 mT/m and a slew rate of 400 mT/m/sec
- Excellent linearity across 22 cm FOV
- Bore diameter of 60 cm
- Video display for fMRI or for subject comfort and entertainment
- Optimized for BOLD Imaging
- ASL Eye Tracking System and Lumitouch Response System - specifically designed for fMRI studies
- Integrated development enviornment for sequence development, and simulating, testing and debugging of protocols and pulse sequences
* Machine Availability (Time calendar)
Bruker 9.4T
The Bruker 9.4T horizontal bore scanner is a dedicated system for small animal studies. The higher sensitivity resulting in greater spatial and/or temporal resolution from the 9.4T megnet is critical for in vivo animal imaging.
- Actively-shielded superconducting wide-bore magnet with 9.4 T field strength
- Bore diameter of 30 cm
- Gradient strength of 200 mT/m and Max slew rate of 640 T/m/s
- Linearity 13/ 10 cm DSV: < ± 3%, < ± 2%
- ParaVision® software package provides a framework for multi-dimensional MRI/MRS data acquisition, reconstruction, analysis and visualization
- Numerous ready to use MRI methods and sequences available
- Small animal anesthesia and monitor system available
Various coils available for different MR studies, including:
- 35mm QuadTransceiver mouse coil
- 25mm QuadTransceiver mouse coil
- 4-channel phase array coil with 72mm Transmitter volume coil
- 1H/13C double-tuned Linear surface Transceiver coil
- 1H/31P double-tuned Linear surface Transceiver coil
- 1H/17O double-tuned Linear 43mm Transceiver rat coil
* Machine Availability (Time calendar) (Authorized Users Only)
* Cost
GE eXplore Vista
The GE eXplore Vista small animal PET/CT system provides high sensitivity functional imaging along with anatomical images within a single instrument. It utilizes dual scintillator and depth-of-interaction technology to provide extremely high resolution and high sensitivity for PET/CT imaging. The nature of good quantitation and functionality in PET imaging allow studies for tumor biology, pharmacodynamic studies of new drugs, such as effect on blood perfusion, and pharmacokinetic studies. The 7cm bore is suitable for mice and rats up to 400g. Both static and dynamic studies are possible with time-uptake analysis. Currently, 18F-FDG and 124I are approved and available for use, but studies requiring other longer-lived positron emitters may be discussed.
- Axial resolution of about 1.2 mm in the center of FOV
- Aial field-of-view of 4.6 cm
- Transaxial field of view of 7 cm
- CT X ray source energy: 4kV-50kV
- Normal CT resoltuion of 120 micron
- FBP, 2D-OSEM, or 3D-OSEM reconstruction available for PET imaging
* Machine Availability (Time calendar) (Authorized Users Only)
* Cost
microSPECT
This microSPECT system provides high-resolution 3-D images using radiolabeled biomarkers. The camera has a 10cm field-of-view suitable for both mouse and rat models. Both parallel-hole and pinhole collimators are available for whole-body or high-resolution applications. Currently approved tracers include 99mTc and 123I; use of additional tracers can be discussed upon request.
* Cost
SCANCO µCT 40
The SCANCO µCT 40 scanner is a desktp cone-bean X-ray scanner. It can provide high resolution of 6 µm. In addition to the high resolution capabilities, it also offers a larger specimen size (36 mm diameter, 8 cm specimen length).
- X-Ray-source: 50-70 kVp, 150 µA
- No shielding required
- Detector 2048x252 elements, 24 µm pitch Resolution 6 µm nominal, 9 µm (10% MTF @ 12 mm Ø)
- Specimen Size up to 38 mm in diameter, 80 mm in length
- Software offers complete 64-bit imaging solution, online/offline reconstruction, sophisticated 2D/3D evaluation, 3D-visualization/animation, and archiving data
- Perfect for animal bone or dental study
* Machine Availability (Time calendar)
* Cost
IVIS® Kinetic Optical System
The new IVIS Kinetic optical imaging is a real time, fast imaging system enabling acquisition of biologically relevant events within milliseconds. It can perform both quantitative luminescence and fluorescence as a standard high signal to noise imager and as a high speed imager. Several highlights of the IVIS Kinetic system include:
- Highly sensitive EMCCD camera
- Rapid image readout speeds with frame transfer technology
- a light-tight injection port , supporting a syringe injector system for real time compound and/or substrate administration
- 10 position excitation filter wheels
* Machine Availability (Time calendar)
* Cost
Xenogen IVIS 100
The Xenogen IVIS 100 optical imaging device is capable of bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging in vivo in mice and rats. The system includes animal handling features such as a heated sample shelf, and a full gas anesthesia system. It is highly automated with all hardware motor movement, imaging parameters, and image analysis controlled via Living Image® software.
- Adjustable field of view of 10-25 cm, allowing 5 mice or 2 large rats to be imaged at the same time.
- 25 mm (1.0 inch) square back-thinned, back-illuminated, cooled CCD camera
- Extremely light-tight, low background imaging chamber allows it to be used in standard lab lighting environments
* Machine Availability (Time calendar)
* Cost
VisualSonics Vevo 770
VisualSonics Vevo 770 offers high resolution ultrasound imaging for small animal studies. The spatial resolution can be down to 30 microns using high frequency waves. The system is fully non-invasive, which allows longitudinal studies and fewer mice required. It provides a high-throughput method to study physiological/ pathological changes, such as blood perfusion, and tumor volume.
- High-resolution imaging with 30 micron resolution
- Rreal-time imaging
- Contrast-assisted imaging modes for blood perfusion measurements
- Temperature-regulated positioning stage for mice and rats
- Multiple probes for different focus depth (6 mm and 15 mm)