Optical Imaging

Instruments

IVIS Spectrum Located in Marsico Hall, the IVIS® Spectrum (PerkinElmer Inc.) in vivo imaging system combines 2D optical and 3D optical tomography in one platform. This instrument can be used in conjunction with our Quantum GX2 CT system to combine 3D optical with CT imaging Main Imaging Features True 3D fluorescence and bioluminescence capabilities Spectral unmixing available for using multiple fluorescent or bioluminescent probes Image up to five mice, or one rat, without additional lenses 10 excitation filters (430-745nm) and 20nm narrow-band emission filters (500nm-840nm) are available
IVIS Lumina The IVIS-Lumina (PerkinElmer Inc.) provides highly sensitive bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging with physiological relevant molecular and functional information. The IVIS Lumina is located in the Genetic Medicine Building room UB61 and facilitates optical imaging studies with animals located only in the GMB vivarium. Main Imaging Features Capable of bioluminescence imaging and fluorescence imaging 10 excitation filters, 25 narrow-band emission filters (500nm-800nm) and 4 broad-band emission filters are available. Adjustable field of view with default 3 mice or 1 rat to be imaged in one field of view. The FOV can be enlarged with additional demagnification lens to have 5 mice imaged simultaneously.
AMI HT The Ami system is capable of providing both bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging on animals and tissue specimens for preclinical research.  The system is housed in Marsico Hall SAI imaging facility.  The Ami system is very similar to the IVIS system in terms of imaging performance and operation. Main Imaging Features Can image five mice without demagnification lens Wavelength specific LED excitation light source for fluorescence imaging Aura imaging software with unlimited seat licenses (downloadable online) Analysis can be done on any 64bit Windows computer

Sample Images and Study Examples

To see sample images from our optical imaging systems please follow this link.

Study Initiation, Training and Scheduling

The SAI offers monthly group training on all optical imaging systems and private training can be arranged, which will include a fee for machine time and staff support.  Please click on this link to learn more.  To initiate a new optical imaging study, please send an email to bricsai@med.unc.edu to schedule a meeting and register your project by following the study initiation link.  Optical imaging can be scheduled after training by SAI staff through iLab.  Please follow the instructions at the Schedule a Study link for more details.  Please contact us at bricsai@med.unc.edu or call us at 919-966-2855 with any questions about your optical study.

Cost

The current internal rate for optical imaging is $48/hr.  Imaging time is highly dependent upon the study protocol so please contact the SAI for budget information. You can also see our rates at this link.

Acknowledgement

Several instruments within the SAI, and the SAI as a whole, are funded via different granting institutions.  Acknowledging these grants in publications helps us to continue to secure funding for maintenance, training, and new equipment for the future.  Please use the appropriate acknowledgement below when publishing data.

IVIS Spectrum

“The authors would like to thank the Small Animal Imaging Core Facility, funded in part by the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant, P30CA016086, and the NIH S10 Shared Instrumentation Grant, S10OD026951, for supporting this work.”

AMI HT

“The authors would like to thank the Small Animal Imaging Core Facility, funded in part by the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant, P30CA016086, for supporting this work.”