MILabs U-CT in vivo diagnostic preclinical X-Ray CT scanner

The U-CT system is a rapid preclinical CT scanner that scans the entire mouse body in as little as 5 sec. while exposing it to extremely low levels of radiation (<2 mGy). The device can be extended to image medium-sized animal models such as ferrets and rabbits.

Features

• High-speed - 5 sec for total body mouse scan
• Ultra-low dose - Down to 2 mGy whole-body mouse
• High throughput - Multi-gated dynamic acquisitions for up to four mice
• Extremely high in-vivo resolution - Voxel size down to 2.4 μm
• High versatility - Cells for mice, rats, rabbits and cryogenically cooled specimens
• Spectral CT acquisitions
• Upgradeable to molecular CT imaging - PET, SPECT, optical imaging modules

Performance configurations

Four performance levels are offered depending on the user’s needs:

• Extra-Ultra-High-Resolution U-CT^_XUHR with reconstructed voxel resolution down to 2.4 μm using a dedicated ex vivo sample holder
• Ultra-High-Resolution U-CT^_UHR with reconstructed voxel resolution down to 4 μm
• High-Resolution U-CT^_HR with reconstructed voxel resolution down to 10 μm
• Standard CT^SD with reconstructed voxel resolution down to 30 μm

Diagnostic capabilities

Optimized for in vivo imaging, the U-CT system features advanced diagnostic capabilities including:

• Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT imaging with single- or dual-energy scans
• Ultra-fast fluoroscopic imaging with up to 66 frames per second
• DEXA scanning
• Virtual endoscopy and cardiac and respiratory gating (either sensor-free or with sensor) if desired

The U-CT is capable of imaging up to four mice at the same time, exploiting all of these capabilities.

Molecular CT upgrades

The U-CT device can be used as a standalone diagnostic CT, or it can be completely integrated with the PET, SPECT, and optical imaging modules from MILabs.

Without sacrificing diagnostic CT capabilities, the fusion of various molecular imaging techniques broadens applications beyond the limits of side-by-side usage and other hybrid molecular imaging systems, allowing for deeper insights and accelerating research.