About the facility

In vivo small animal imaging is increasingly used as an important facet of biomedical research. In translational research programs, imaging can be used as a high throughput, relatively inexpensive method for assessing normal tissue/organ function, disease pathophysiology, and new therapies. Since imaging can be performed in anesthetized subjects, it provides unique pre-clinical information that is relevant to humans and is extremely useful for temporal evaluation of tissue phenotype.

The SARIC has been designed to provide researchers with state-of-the-art in vivo imaging technology to evaluate anatomy, tissue function, cellular and molecular phenotype, blood/fluid flow, metabolism and to assess pharmacokinetics and stem cell function in small animal models. The technologies available at the SARIC are designed to provide researchers with an array of choices according to practical issues such as spatial resolution, temporal resolution, tissue differentiation, sensitivity for contrast agent, and performance of contrast agents. The components of the facility include:

1. MicroPET/SPECT/CT imaging
2. Ultra-high frequency small animal ultrasound imaging
3. Biophotonics imaging

Animal Care in the SARIC

1. All procedures must be approved by the IACUC and should be documented on the service registration form.
2. Methods for anesthesia are to be approved by IACUC as well.  It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that safe and approved methods are used.  Please contact William Packwood and/or IACUC if you observe any worrisome or improper methods for animal handling or anesthesia.
3. Transportation to the SARIC laboratory should conform to IACUC policy.  Dirty caging should be covered.  Please contact us if large numbers of cages are anticipated so that extra table space can be provided without stacking.
4. Do not leave animals unattended in the SARIC.
5. Gloves and masks are always available for use.  Investigators should bring their own outerwear, although we will provide disposable gowns.
6. Assume that each investigator has not cleaned properly.  Check the system after each use and use 70% EtOH for all surfaces; use bleach for the anesthesia chamber and for the black vinyl mats.
7. Immune-deficient animals should be studied at the beginning of a day.  Animals should be transported to the SARIC at a time when there are no other animals in the adjacent imaging labs.  The system should go through a “pre-clean” prior to imaging immune deficient animals.  Investigators should notify immune status on their sign-up forms.
8. Animals with infectious organisms that are to be studied in the SARIC must be approved by the IACUC, identified on the sign-up form, and should have appropriate precautions in terms of transportation.
9. Please ensure that no expired materials are used for survival procedures.
10. Unless other arrangements have been made, animals receiving radionuclides (or their carcasses) will be handled only by SARIC staff until the radioactive warning tag is removed from the cage.
11. We will reserve the right to refuse further access for any investigator who does not comply with the regulations provided to them.