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In Vivo Imaging

OVERVIEW

The IVISR provides MR, photoacoustic, ultrasound, high-resolution planar gamma imaging, and PET of mice and rats. Support and expertise includes imaging physics, biological applications, animal support, image computation, diagnostic agent chemistry, preparation of F18 labeled radiotracers, and kinetic modeling.

Up to 4.7T MR imaging allows for rapid acquisition of high resolution volumes both with and without contrast. Photoacoustic imaging can create high definition images of fluorescent optical markers at greater depths, overlaid across clear ultrasound images of anatomy. High- resolution ultrasound imaging permits quantitation of tumor size, as well as, measurement of left ventricular volume for recovery correction of MR and PET sampled input functions. Most importantly it permits the use of in situ tumor models. A key contribution of ultrasound to cancer research in mice is the ability to image in sterile fashion and to do so without the need for anesthesia. This permits frequent monitoring of tumor growth or regression following interventions.

 

In Vivo Imaging Services

Here is a list of services provided by this resource. Please visit the Service Details page for more information.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Photoacoustic Imaging
  • Positron Emission Tomography
  • Gamma Camera Imaging
  • Ultrasound
  • Image Processing / Kinetic Modeling
  • Protocol Development
  • Training and Consultation
  • Radiochemistry

Service Details

Recharge Rates

Item Description UC User Rates Non-UC User Rates
Consultation $171 $256
Technician labor $53 $80
Ultrasound - Equipment rental or use $58 $88
Photoacoustic - Equipment rental or use $107 $160
MRI - Equipment rental or use $188 $282
PET Scan - Equipment rental or use $34 $52
Gamma Imager - Equipment rental or use $34 $52
Pass Through Expenses - PET FDG dose $250 $375

Scheduling and Consulting

Scheduling

Since all equipment requires training before independent use, scheduling is maintained by the IVISR manager. Please contact Megan Westerland via email ( mwesterland@health.ucsd.edu) to discuss booking time on the machines and hourly rates, as well as developing protocols or procedures.

Consulting

David R. Vera, PhD
Radiopharmaceuticals and tracers

Ahmed El Kaffas, PhD
Ultrasound

Carl Hoh, MD
PET and gamma camera imaging

David Hall, PhD, DABR
Fluorescent and photoacoustic imaging

Jiang Du, PhD
MR imaging and contrast

Location

Most of the IVISR equipment is maintained in room B210 of the Moores Cancer Center, however the MRI is located next door in B207.

Contact

Director:
David R. Vera, PhD
dvera@ucsd.edu

Co-Director:
Ahmed El Kaffas, PhD
aelkaffas@ucsd.edu

Contact:
Megan Westerland, IVISR Manager
mwesterland@health.ucsd.edu