Small Animal Imaging Core Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner
see below for information about the
facility.
The Small Animal Imaging facility has a small animal computed tomography (CT) scanner for use with sacrificed or live animals. Uses include embryonic and adult specimen anatomy, bone mineral density, bone mineral content, bodyfat content, and angiogenesis index. This General Electric Medical Systems EVS-RS9 scanner can be used to differentiate bone from tissue/water from fat from air. Scanned areas of 88 x 88 x 43 mm can be reconstructed into 2- or 3- dimensional images at resolutions of 27 – 93 micron resolution (living animals are scanned at 46+ microns). With use of enteral (oral) barium or intravenous iodine contrast agents, other structures such as the gastrointestinal tract or the vascular system can be visualized. Without contrast, only skeletal structures can be seen with detail. Limitations of the system include the inability to see texture in soft tissue, and the unavoidable delivery of small to moderate doses of radiation to the animal. Future capabilities based upon the availability of funds may include a synchronized small animal ventilator for prolonged, high resolution scans of the heart and lungs. Investigators can at this time have sacrificed animals scanned. Investigators wishing to scan live animals should first amend their IACUC protocol to include the use of sedation, the use of contrast agents, and the use of radiation for these scans. Because the scanner is located in basement of the Emma Eccles-Jones Medical Research building, investigators will be required to place their animals in an isolator that is transferred across the barrier through a pass-through (non-alive specimens must be in a sealed, air-tight container). Investigators will receive a CD or DVD containing their results of their scan, and a small chargeback fee will be for technician time and materials will be generated. Investigators interested in pilot experiment ($55) scans, or letters of support for their grants should contact Osama Abdullah. LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITY: Investigators with very restricted financial resources (but sound, hypothesis-driven research goals) that need a limited number of *no-cost* scans in order to prepare preliminary data for a grant application should write a letter of request, signed by their department chairman, sent to Dr. Jerry Kaplan (Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, 30 N. 1900 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84112). This request should detail the number and types of scans requested, and the specific aims of the proposed experiments. An NIH biosketch with current, pending, and past support should also be included.
A copy of the application should be sent to Kay Higgins (100 No. Medical Drive, Suite 1400, Salt Lake City, UT 84113).
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An image
viewing workstation is available to members of Human Genetics and their
guests in Eccles Computer Lab room 1480. Opportunities also exist to increase the information content of your data (qualitatively & quantitatively) by an academic collaboration with the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute. |
Recommended
Contrast Agents: |
Sample Scans and Freeware Downloads: |
Publications and Presentations: |