Bruker's minispec Whole Body Composition Analyzer based on TD-NMR provides a precise method for measurement of lean tissue, fat and fluid in living mice and rats.
This body composition analyzer boasts a novel and striking key feature: Because the animal is carefully handled without using any anesthetics, a new standard for longitudinal studies has been established.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) methods are among the most useful non-destructive techniques of material analysis. Non-invasive examination of the body by means of NMR is extensive and has many useful applications, particularly with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).
TD-NMR uses similar NMR technology, providing analysis of fat tissue, lean tissue and free fluid by the same physical selection rules that give rise to contrast in MRI. Tissue contrast is high between fat and muscle based on relative relaxation times.