Internal users: please visit iLab (Preclinical Imaging Core Facility)

QMUL users: please contact bci-preclinical-imaging@qmul.ac.uk 

For external users: please contact bci-preclinical-imaging@qmul.ac.uk

To help minimize costs, we offer training for users to perform and analyse their own studies whenever possible. This service is available for an additional fee - please contact us for a quote if you require this. We are also open to collaboration and can provide additional support on the basis that the work will lead to joint publications.

Milabs VECTor⁶CT^XUHR SPECT/PET/CT (Single Photon Computed Tomography)

• This instrument enables single and multi-animal imaging (up to 4 animals simultaneously) for the acquisition of 3D whole-body datasets.
• SPECT is commonly used for imaging specific biological targets with sub-millimetre resolution using radiolabelled ligands. It can, for example, detect receptors upregulated in tumours or co-localise radiolabelled CAR-T cells or oncolytic viruses with tumours. Our expert staff and fully equipped radiochemistry laboratory can assist in developing custom-targeted imaging agents for both PET and SPECT applications.
• The system supports imaging with low to high-energy SPECT radiotracers as well as PET radiotracers and multi-isotope simultaneous SPECT/ PET scans.
• For cardiovascular applications, an ECG and respiratory gating system is available.
• Nuclear imaging data is co-registered with CT to provide detailed anatomical mapping. CT can also be used independently, offering ultra-high resolution down to approximately 30µm for focused in vivo scans, such as tracking bone disease progression or imaging the vascular network using appropriate contrast agents.
• We offer comprehensive training to enable users to operate this instrument independently.

Mediso nanoScanPET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

• This system supports both single and multi-animal imaging (up to 4 animals simultaneously) for the acquisition of 3D whole-body datasets. We offer F-18-FDG PET imaging to detect metabolic changes in your model. Our expert team, along with a fully equipped radiochemistry laboratory, can assist in developing custom targeted radiometal-based imaging agents (e.g. Zr-89, Ga-68, Cu-64).
• The system includes ECG and respiratory gating capabilities for cardiovascular applications.
• PET data is co-registered with the CT image to provide an attenuation and anatomical map for better quantitation and ease of analysis. CT can also be used independently.

Bruker Icon 1T MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• Our 1T MRI offers good soft tissue contrast, making it an efficient screening tool for internal tumours, useful for acquiring volumetric measurements. The system has been used for a wide range of applications, from characterizing tumour progression over time to detecting and measuring aneurysms, investigating brain trauma, and conducting cardiac imaging. Gadolinium contrast agents can be used.
• Most users can be trained within a few hours to operate this instrument independently.

Perkin Elmer IVIS Lumina III Bioluminescence and Fluorescence imaging

• Our IVIS offers high-throughput 2D optical imaging (up to five mice can be imaged simultaneously in under 2 minutes).
• Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) allows tracking of cells genetically modified to express the luciferase reporter construct. With no “off-target” signals, BLI is ideal for low-resolution longitudinal monitoring of changes in disease burden.
• The fluorescence imaging (FLI) function features a wide range of excitation and emission filters, enabling the use of various FLI probes to target and image specific structures or processes. The spectral un-mixing feature minimises background signal and enables simultaneous imaging of multiple probes.
• Again, this instrument is straightforward to operate, and training only takes a few hours.

Visual Sonics Vevo F2 Ultrasound

• Our Vevo F2 ultrasound combines excellent soft tissue resolution for anatomical imaging with the ability to assess functional attributes such as blood flow.
• It can be used for a variety of applications, including internal tumour and structure detection, volumetric measurements, tumour vascularity and blood flow assessment, tissue perfusion analysis, and image-guided injections for procedural refinement.
• The F2 is equipped with both 29 MHz and 57 MHz probes and supports multiple imaging modes, including B-mode, M-mode, Colour Doppler (for flow), Tissue Doppler, Power Doppler (tumour imaging), EKV, as well as 3D and 4D imaging capabilities.

XStrahl SARRP 200 Precision Irradiator

• The SARRP provides targeted external beam irradiation for small animals, ideal for focused irradiation of subcutaneous or orthotopic tumours, such as those in the lung.
• The system is equipped with a CT for precise image-guided treatment planning.
• The system is user-friendly, and training usually only takes a few hours.

 RS-2000 Whole Body Irradiator

• The RS-2000 irradiator is designed for both whole-body and cell irradiation. Whole-animal irradiation is commonly used for immune system suppression, such as prior to a bone marrow transplant or T-cell infusion.

Emit Xerra Ex vivo Cryo-fluorescence Tomography

• This system combines white light and fluorescent imaging to create 3D datasets of cell clusters, isolated organs or entire intact animals.
• It is equipped with 6 different lasers to cover a variety of different fluorescent probes.
• Several different block sizes are available with varying image resolution, from 55 µm in-plane resolution for up to 5 mice or one rat (FOV = 22 x 15 x 10 cm) down to 20 µm in-plane resolution for isolated organs (FOV = 5 x 4 x 4 cm).

InSight V5 blood analyser and DRI-CHEM NX600 Blood chemistry analyser

• These blood analysers are available for assessing treatment toxicity and conducting blood chemistry analysis (e.g. creatinine, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, albumin etc).

Data Analysis

• Each instrument is equipped with its own easy-to-use acquisition software.

• VivoQuant (Perspective) is used for Nuclear Imaging, CT and MRI for both quantitative and for image presentation.
• Fusion (Mediso) is also available for Nuclear Imaging, CT and MRI analysis.
• Living Image (Revvity) is used for optical imaging analysis.
• Vevo LAB (Visualsonics) is used for ultrasound imaging analysis.

A dedicated image analysis computer is available for booking in one of the lower ground floor offices, allowing analysis to be performed outside of the Preclinical Imaging Facility. All our analysis software is installed on this PC.