Biomedical Research Imaging Center - UNC School of Medicine
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Animal Imaging
Recent advances in imaging techniques have begun to allow non-invasive investigation of disease progression in small animals without the need to sacrifice the animals. Imaging allows long-term studies to be performed throughout the animal’s lifetime, providing better insight into the correlation between intervention and response and enabling inquiry into how best to treat human afflictions.
The Small Animal Imaging Facility (SAIF) of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides multiple imaging modalities and image analysis tools for imaging biology specimens and small animals. Our goal is to develop and offer advanced imaging technologies with state-of-the-art instrumentation and experienced staffs to assist investigators in a wide range of applications in biomedical researches. The SAIF currently provides a comprehensive suite of imaging modalities including MRI, PET/CT, SPECT, high resolution microCT, ultrasound, and optical imaging. With all the modalities housed in a centralized facility, the SAIF will provide unparalleled opportunities for combined anatomic, functional and molecular imaging to UNC biomedical research communities.
Initiate an Imaging Study:
- MRI/MRS
- PET/CT/SPECT
- Optical/Bioluminescence
- Ultrasound
To initiate a study, you will need to fill out a Project Proposal Form, where you need to briefly describe the project and resources you need from the SAIF, or indicate that you need to discuss with SAIF staff to determine an appropriate imaging strategy. The project will be reviewed by the SAIF scientist for feasibility and scientific merit. You can also directly contact the BRIC-SAIF manager, Dr. Hong Yuan (yuanh@med.unc.edu) to disscuss the project that you would like to conduct in the facility.
Cost:
BRIC imaging services are a recharge operation and must charge fees to cover the cost of operation. These charges are estimated based on the capital equipment purchase, service contracts, expendables, and staffs who operate and maintain the equipment.
Machine Time Charges for each imaging modality:
Modality | Rate | Notes |
9.4T MRI | · $100/hour for federally sponsored UNC projects · $250/hour for industry sponsored projects. · Overnight scans from 7pm to 8am on samples or fixed animal tissue: $250/each, flat rate · Weekend scans on samples or fixed animal tissue: overnight rate plus additional 2-hours charge | 1) Federally funded research studies are partially supported through a NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant (#1-S10-RR019924-01) and are therefore charged for machine time at a reduced rate. 2) For samples that need more than 13 hours overnight scan, the additional hours will be charged with regular rate of $100/hour. |
micro-PET/CT | · $100/hour for UNC investigators · $250/hour for non-UNC investigators | 1) There will be a charge for the radioisotope if not provided by the investigators, and the charge will be actual cost we purchase through the hospital. 2) For F18-FDG, the standard dose is currently $169 but may vary. |
Micro-SPECT | TBD |
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IVIS Bioluminescence | · $25/hour for UNC investigators · $50/hour for non-UNC investigators | 1) Rates are for both IVIS-100 and IVIS-Kinetic systems; 2) Training required before usage |
Specimen micro-CT | $35/hour for sample scan, $15/hour for image analysis | The image analysis is done by the users using scanner computer and software. |
Ultrasound | · $35/hour for UNC investigators · $75/hour for non-UNC investigators |
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Billing:
Principal investigators will be invoiced monthly for charges associated with their use of image modalities.
Scheduling:
To schedule time on the SAI equipment:
Contact Sylvia Toth
e-mail: Sylvia_Toth@med.unc.edu
phone: (919) 843-4438
Approved users can use these links to view the online calendars: