About the SARIC
About the facility
The SARIC resource is available to researchers throughout OHSU for the non-invasive imaging of small animal models of disease. The facility has been designed to not only provide state-of-the-art imaging technology, but also guidance in terms of imaging protocols and unique applications of the technologies.
The SARIC is located within the vivarium space on the second floor of the Medical Research Building (MRB 270). Independent use of the Biophotonics and Ultrasound systems require that investigators undergo training that is offered on an ad hoc basis. All microPET/SPECT/CT studies will be performed by SARIC technical staff. All analysis will be charged on an hourly basis and is graduated according to the level of service (independent or supervised). Access will be limited to normal business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
About the equipment
MicroPET/SPECT/CT
The SARIC houses a state-of-the-art integrated full-body small animal imaging platform for near simultaneous and co-registered radionuclide PET, SPECT and CT imaging (Inveon, Seimens). This imaging system is capable of true trimodal imaging guided by computer positioning systems located within the gantries. CT imaging data provides both high resolution anatomic imaging as well as data for radionuclide attenuation correction. The SPECT and PET imaging components are able to detect a wide array of radionuclide tracers. The system includes reconstruction and co-registration software.
High-frequency ultrasound
The facility houses a dedicated small animal imaging ultrasound system (Vevo 2100, VisualSonics) equipped with phased-array transducers with a frequency range of 18 to 55 MHz. The system is designed for 2-D, 3-D, M-mode, spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler, color Doppler, and contrast ultrasound; as well as ultrasound-guided microinjection.
Biophotonics
Biophotonics imaging is available with an IVIS Spectrum imaging system (Caliper Life Sciences) that can non-invasively quantify and spatially describe optical energy in anesthetized animals. The system is equipped with an array of narrowband excitation and emission filters across the blue to near infra-red wavelength spectrum to provide high-efficiency photon information for fluorescent and luminescent imaging.