Instrumentation

VECTor6 CT from MILABS	Li-Cor Pearl Fluorescence Imager

The UMass Chan RLASTIC Core Facility consists of:

• VECTor6 CT from MILABS, a combined PET/ SPECT with ultra-high-resolution CT
• Li-Cor Pearl Imager for near-infrared fluorescence, together in a 350 ft2 camera room (SA-107A)

Optical images of biomarkers labeled with near infrared fluorophores may be acquired on the Li-Cor Biosciences Pearl Imager for in vitro in cells or in vivo in small animals. The Pearl Imager is designed for fluorescence in vivo imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region where tissue autofluorescence and light scattering are low. Animals may be illuminated by a 685 nm and a 785 nm laser for excitation and LED white light for registration and all three images may be overlayed in the display. By permitting deeper penetration, smaller targets can be visualized at greater depths, allowing earlier detection. The imaging bed holds one animal, is temperature controlled to maintain body temperature and has access to gaseous anesthesia. The sensitivity is exceptional for small animal receptor and transport targeting, structural and vascular/lymphatic imaging and biodistribution. 

Images from the above system may be sent to any user by DICOM or through the web by iPACS software. Please click on Examples of Research to view images obtained at UMass Chan.